The ‘Curious’ Gremlin:
WHEN YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS
The world is in a funny place; depending on where you lay your attention, it can mean many things. It’s midnight, and I’m still reading - Vogue, not quite highbrow bedtime reading, but still, reading nonetheless.
On a seemingly empty page of overpriced yellow items from jumpers to jewels, a line of advertising catches my eye.“Zesty yellow gobstoppers”, the fine print reads, and next to it, a picture of a yellow diamond necklace fit only for royalty or insurance.
Have you ever noticed that fashion magazines write in a way no sane person would ever speak? There is something ridiculously lavish about the escapism that pervades between glossy pages and oiled limbs.
Amidst the glitz and glamour, I found myself intrigued by the power of words, regardless of their context.
In a time often clouded by conflict and disparity, the superficiality of fashion can feel like a privileged escape. My inner judge tells me that ‘there are politics, stoics and other ics worthy of my attention’. And yet, those words “zesty, yellow, gobstoppers” well, I couldn’t get them out of my head. Amidst the glitz and glamour, I found myself intrigued by the power of words, regardless of their context. So, I decided to embark on an experiment.
“Tomorrow, I will explore every aspect of "Page 219" – whether it’s a song playing at 2:19 minutes or a frame captured at precisely 2:19. and see what it can teach me?”
That day, I discovered unexpected gems hidden in plain sight.
I learnt, “when he is very sick, every man wants his mother” and that “people want us to be us, just not THAT us”. At 2 minutes and 19 seconds, Shalamar told me we’re “gonna make this a night to remember,” and 2 hours 19 minutes through the film, I heard that ‘it makes sense to end a book on great art with a work that draws your eye optimistically towards the horizon.’
So, here's the challenge: pick a theme – a number, a colour, anything that resonates with you – and open yourself up to the messages waiting to be discovered.
It might surprise you.
Poemcasts
For the Andre 3000 and Dilla heads out there. This one is for you.
Musings
Watching the BAFTAS on Sunday, I saw some stand-out speeches. I liked those who used the event to signal how ludicrous and yet meaningful the world or art/awards are.
“We should think about innocent people being killed in Gaza or Yemen in the same way we think about innocent people being killed in Maria Pole or Israel.”
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
P.S Proof I wasn’t making it up. Evidence from kismet inspo:
Till next week,
Karimah
