My sacred object was my headphones. Usually when I’m feeling incomplete or like I’m
going to fall apart I can put in my headphones, with or without music, and immediately feel better. I feel more plugged in and grounded somewhere.
For the opposite object I have chosen a lighter. It’s non refillable, gas station lighter. I
use it to light candles and random stuff on fire because I like to do that, but there’s nothing special bout the lighter itself and my connection to it.
The flame was mankind’s first invention- the most important invention. Every century
we find more and more ways to use the flame, to refine the flame, to improve our connection with it. Lighters are regarded as one the greatest refinements of the flame. It took from it’s forefather (matches) the lighter gave humanity a way to isolate a single flame. To carry the power of fire right in one’s own pocket. At any moment they can engage with the flame. The flame being both holy and commonplace. The flame should be treated with great respect constantly, but the flame should not be so revered that it goes unused. There’s a certain mystery and magic in things that are ubiquitous. There is also beauty in things that are keys to both creation and destruction. To feel like both a god and an insignificant mortal to something iswhat draws humanity to the flame. Lighters can be customized and unique fitting each person.
The individualization of such a great power is like humanity is feigning control over our fate. The state of knowing you can control nothing, but can also be the beginning of the end of the world wraps up nicely in a black, translucent, nonrefillable lighter. More than anything humans are a type of controlled chaos, just like the flame. This perhaps is why we, as humans, are drawn to the flame. A connection like the of equals but also a servant to Empress is felt between humans and the flame.
. . .
Ode to Headphones
The buds fit comfortably into my ears
But after hours there’s a pressure like someone pinching my ears
I’ve learned to ignore the pain
For a moment--
when I’m sandwiched between these two plastic pieces
I feel reality slip away
My mind silences itself
The vibrations like I’m pulling apart
Quiet down to a hum
The world moves at my pace for the first time
And I pretend no mortal can perceive me
Lost in the space of my head
The buds play the soundtrack of my fantasy