chat gpt describes me post mortem
[a poem]
the title of this poem came first - about a week ago. dwelled in my notes app as a sentence, an enigma, something to take a bite out of. or let it bite me.. either way, i thought about this for a while before the poem was actually ready.
i talk with chat gpt semi-regularly these days. i find it has great insights into questions about finances and practical things and sometimes even matters of the heart. it often surprises me.
this poem inspired a couple of digital collages too, something i’ve been dabbling in lately that brings me a lot of joy for its infinite whimsy <3 here goes!
ever grasping / for invisible things, she couldn’t memorize the proportions / of jasmine rice to water / or how long to boil it / came here for calculations, numbers elusive / purveyor of words / these modern day hieroglyphics / carefully crafting sentences like strings of vintage pearls, poetry / as a life raft and this / is not a drill / capricorn scheming on freedom and The Next Thing / here lies the strange and varied search history of a very hopeful person / soft rock polished by time / chin tilted toward effervescent horizon / lilting orreries for brains / magnifying glass to black soil and its subterranean life forms / who do not have legs / shouting obscure visions into megaphone / and smart phone / for oceans of faces, for nobody at all / for herself
i’m forever grateful that you are here, choosing to read my words <3
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You are a true modern, genius poet, Sonja!!
I’ve not told you this but I grew up in Syria and studied in Arabic all throughout my education. I learned English at home (from my American mom). I loved Arabic poetry in both the traditional and modern forms but I never was exposed to any English poetry. Even after moving to Los Angeles and attending USC, my classes were geared towards science and becoming a pediatric dentist. Writing in English was a “gift” that came to me after what most would call a “life trauma” and I refer to as “life drama”!
This poem and its structure reminds me of modern Arabic poetry. The topic, on the other hand, is so innovative! I love the art! All you and most expressive, I simply love it! Thank you for sharing your creations!!
"here lies the strange and varied search history of a very hopeful person" — best epitaph ever!