Before the Translation
The body releases
many of the same chemicals
whether you are about to fall in love
or be chased by a bear.
Adrenaline, dopamine, endorphins,
all released for fear and excitement.
The heart accelerates.
The stomach tightens.
The senses sharpen.
The message arrives
before the translation.
Hours before game time
I picture the softball field.
My pulse increases.
My heart becomes aware
of itself.
I’ve learned to consult
the categories.
Danger.
Excitement.
The same filing cabinet.
The same drawer.
A roller coaster and a cliff edge
can produce similar readings.
Cognitive reappraisal.
Telling the brain a new story.
I wonder how many good things
have been mistaken
for threats.
How many times
the body prepared for survival
when what was actually happening
was joy.
The first pitch is thrown.
The butterflies remain
and I welcome them.
6 thoughts on "Before the Translation"
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Such a perceptive insight. Arousal a thing for good and for ill. I guess we should add one term – fight, flight, freeze, or f**k. Well done.
Hahaha. Love it. Thanks, Jules!
A lot of truth in your poem!
Thank you, John!
“I wonder how many good things
have been mistaken
for threats.
How many times
the body prepared for survival
when what was actually happening
was joy.”
That part really speaks to me. If one gets the initial translation wrong, there’s no guarantee of a second chance. Trust can lead to danger and fear can block happiness. Just one of the many reasons why love is so hard.
Thank you for sharing this.
Yes, studying the way the human brain works to create meaning has been so illuminating. I love the insight into what people are experiencing. We’re fascinating animals. 😉
Thank you for your close read. Happy to share!