Poetry v. The World: washing clothes

 

I’m not sure if any one can share the same sentiment, but I feel like washing clothes is such a hassle. I think I can be productive between loads, but, since each break is kinda small, I can never be productive and just end up wasting that time. Rinse (no pun intended) and repeat.

However, for the few minutes I spend putting in the clothes and listening to music, I feel relaxed. It’s hard to describe. My mind normally moves at a really fast pace, but something about the mindless act of throwing clothes into a washer numbs it to a slower pace. So I can actually enjoy certain things about my life that I usually view in a much more anxiety-ridden mindset. However, this smooth motion between different thoughts in my head can be dangerous as well. If I unconsciously bring up something negative, that negativity can spread everywhere. It smears onto the next thought and that smears to the next in a vicious cycle.

This kind of functions as the motor behind the piece. How even the thing that feels most healthy for your brain in the moment can turn into something just as toxic as the rest of your day. Those few moments before it turns rotten seem so productive in its own way, but then it quickly turns and all progress is lost. Honestly, it’s more disheartening than anything.

-jonahso

Jonah J. Sobczak

Poetry v. The World: Hot Showers

 

How many other vlogs start out with a shower scene!?

I’m a big fan of very long, very hot showers. It’s an interesting feeling, being in the shower and just not being able to turn the water off. I always just assumed I was still tired and the water was similar to being under the covers in my pocket of tempered air and that’s why my body didn’t want to leave. But then came this poem.

The idea for this poem surfaced when I read a post from a “science facts” Instagram account (as all great art does). It said that people who take long, hot showers are usually incredibly lonely. It claimed that the warmth of the water serves as a substitute for the warmth of human contact, such as from a loved one. When I read this, I’ll admit I was vaguely offended, but I was also intrigued. Suddenly a constant part of my life was ripped into a new perspective. I do, generally feel lonely, but are the showers really are result of that? Usually I say no, and I just think warm water feels nice on your skin, regardless of who you can cuddle up to at night. However, sometimes I wonder if the handle would be easier to turn if I just had someone waiting for me when I got out.

-jonahso

Jonah Sobczak