Microscopic Misfortune

For a while, I hated poetry. Hate is a strong word – I disliked poetry to a large extent. For the life of me, I could not manage to create poems that I was proud of. I took a creative writing course a few years ago, and soon fell in love with poetry. There was something about the freedom that came with creating poetry. I was drawn towards that freedom. Poetry granted me a voice for exploration – both in my personal bubble and in the world around me. I have attached my favorite piece from that semester below.

Microscopic Misfortune

Welcome to my home.

I’m sorry if it’s too hot or too cold.

I like to live in the extremes.

My friends refer to me as water bear.

But, you can call me “T,”

Short for Tardigrade.

I spend most nights traveling 

To the depths of the sea.

To get away from everything that

Surrounds me.

You may think the pressure is mighty,

But I find it supportive and snug.

Like the moment someone wraps you

In a bear hug.

I was told you were searching for me

To find a way to relinquish the pressure;

The pressure built up by stress.

I could say, “soar to the moon, and leave

It all behind.”

But, I don’t think you’ll be able to survive

Even a second’s worth of time.

Due to my microscopic size, you may miss

Me as I zoom on by.

Don’t feel bad or sorry or sad.

Just know – I choose to roam on my own.

I advise you do the same.

Disregard the weight of pressure

Of your world.

Leave it behind and join me.

Sometimes when it gets to be too much,

I shut down and go to sleep for a while.

I know you can’t do that, but you can

Dream.

Dream of a world where you’re one of us;

Invisible to most, but recognizable in the

Cloudy dust.

* * * * *

Similar to the tardigrade (the animal present in the poem), I found that the pressure of the world can be overwhelming at times. But, with pressure, comes release – that joyous feeling of accomplishing something or venturing in a new direction. I released that pressure when I became confident in my poetry.

Nicholas