The Feeling Of The Impossible

December 13, 2022 Jerry King Comments 0 Comment

An infinite possibility flows
from the multitude of life’s difficulties:
We attribute the feeling of the impossible that dominates us
to those difficulties that get in the way!

If existence is intolerable, we think,
it is because some specific wrong has lead us astray.

And we struggle against this wrong.
The impossible is lifted if the struggle is possible.

…If possibility is offered by chance—
not received from the outside but that which we are,
at risk,
and forcing us to the very end,
there is obviously nothing about which we could say:
“It will be possible in this way.”

It will not be possible but risked.
And chance, risk, essentially assume the impossible.

–excerpt On Nietzsche by Georges Bataille, trans. by Stuart Kendall p. 110

When I arrived here this morning, Starbucks, a friend asked, “what are your going to write about today?” I had nothing in mind at the time, though infinite topics are worthy of comment. The question comes down to “what is worthwhile for today, the segment of space and time, the present of my life here and now?”

These words by Bataille are valuable, enough for this morning. Bataille wrote in the waning days of the Nazi occupation of Paris. Did he recognize that the Germans were beaten, on the run? Maybe. It is hard to say when one is in the maelstrom.

This quotation is a reflection upon circumstances when the feelings are overwhelmed by the impossible. The sensation of drowning comes in many forms. A livelihood could be at risk, a relationship, a cherished way of life, or well-being of the body, etc..

A tribute to my friends, I wish you good fortune, fortitude for the fight: Tom, Bill, Melanie, and Roger !

What song will inspire for today’s journey? I like this one, by Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, Sylvia’s Mother, from 1972. This is a classical ballad about a relationship “gone sideways,” love ends. Does the future depend upon ’40 cents more for the next three minutes?’ Enjoy!

Sylvia’s Mother

By Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show

Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s busy
Too busy to come to the phone’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s tryin’
To start a new life of her own’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s happy
So why don’t you leave her alone?’

And the operator says, ’40 cents more for the next 3 minutes’
Please Mrs. Avery, I just gotta talk to her
I’ll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just wanna tell ‘er goodbye

Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s packin’
She’s gonna be leavin’ today’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s marryin’
A fella down Galveston way’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Please don’t say nothin’
To make her start cryin’ and stay’

Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s hurryin’
She’s catchin’ the nine o’clock train’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Take your umbrella
Cause Sylvie, it’s startin’ to rain’
And Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Thank you for callin’
And, sir, won’t you call back again?’