Black ink soaking through a white cloth
Staining
It can be washed and washed
Difficult to remove
A shadow will remain
So what’s the use?
Throw it away
But what if it was a girl
Or a boy
Man or a woman
Their psyche soiled
treated like toys
of the algorithm
One negative comment
Outweighs a million kindnesses
Why is negative so heavy
And positive so light
That one drags us down
And no matter how many strings are tied
We fail to fly upwards
I’m pretty right
Thanks
But what about others
I press small hearts
And sprinkle kindness wherever I roam
Because one never knows
If another human
Needs that little bit of counterweight
*I’ve spent more time on Instagram and Threads then I probably ever have in the last couple of months. I’m obsessed with photography and there are so many great photographers there.
I always praise warmly, sincerely, enthusiastically really because I have that Labrador energy about me. I never take much notice or read the other comments but the other day I was struck still by the comment just below mine.
I was on threads – and a young woman had caught my eye, she had extraordinary poise. A dancer, she was on the tips of her bare feet while balancing on a bosu ball. She lifted one leg as the bosu wobbled, she remained perfectly balanced, eyes closed and raised that leg above her head.
It was an incredible feat, I was in awe. And said so in my comments
Which is when I saw this truly mean comment that was utterly pointless and wrong below mine.
This man was saying her knees were ugly and the feat was “nothing much”.
It sounded like something a damaged kindergarten child might yell
It was horrid
But I realised that there are many mentally ill and damaged people on the internet
Just as there are in the world
But on the internet they feel empowered to rage without boundaries
Meanness is insanity
Normal people don’t hurt other people in that fashion
And you would hope that anyone would understand that simple fact, and not take the comment to heart
But people do
They do take it to heart
And there is a study that shows that it takes masses of positive comments to outweigh a single negative one. Particularly if that young girl was already self conscious about her knees or body image.
I can’t stop all that. We can’t control the trolls of the internet, or the ones in real life.
But I do try to be a counterweight of positivity everywhere, even if it isn’t required, because that nice comment today might outweigh some crappy one tomorrow. And if not, well, nobody ever suffered from hearing their work is great, as long as the comment is sincere.
Love
Kate X
Header photo some wild turnip in the foreground – it’s an absolutely noxious pest but I happen to love it, as long as it’s not in my paddock. Shipping containers in the background. A bit of colour in amongst my monochromatic images of late. When I do shoot colour it seems so ridiculously saturated now, it’s almost too dramatic. But I loved these, they look like child’s toys all stacked in a higgle piggle row.
They are also containers, capable of containing anything, they are almost indestructible – light or dark – I yawn and stretch and choose my contents each day.
But this isn’t real, no matter how persuasive it may appear, digital dust, a smear on a windscreen contains more reality than what we do here.
And yet, some element of self is left to flounder through the maze.
Wonderful photography and a great verse to with it.
Thanks Yassie ✨🙏❤️
You are welcome , Kate 🤗
🦋🥰
😘
Wonderful photo, verse and commentary, also agree with it.
Thank you 🙏❤️
It truly is toxic out there and it’s up to us to be shining lights. You’ve captured this brilliantly.
Thanks Monty you are a lovely glow always
beautiful photo Kate.
I am shocked at how mean people can be on public forums. but I agree, it comes from a place of deep emotional brokenness. Mike
Thanks Mike, and yes it really does
A wonderful reflection on behavior and what we do to one another. I wish I could take a step back and not take things to heart. Thank you for making me pause and think.
It’s difficult for me. In order to write heartfelt poetry and take soulful pictures – I have yo be open and raw. But then it all rushes in.
We inhale pollution with oxygen in every breath.
I think that is why I have to step away and reassure myself, limit exposure. I’ve got a trip coming up which will force that. No one is immune – we are wired for tribe, how can we create without having someone to show it too? I’ve tried that it doesn’t work like that. So. The step back is as important as the step up – balance is knowing when.
There are people out that hate life and everything about it, and feel the need to pull everything down to their level.
The thing is that you don’t need to engage them, least it gives oxygen and validates them.
Just ignore them.
Not all humanity is good, therefore not all should be unconditionally validated and celebrated.
Absolutely. Well said. A narcissist lives in their own hell – let them.
Such a well written poem Kate… Am i right in believing out conversation maybe inspired u to write it😊😊
*our
Absolutely inspired by your post on the topic Chris and as I said, the young girls post on threads.
Also I had a question, when I search for my website on the jetpack app it cannot find any posts related to it…. So my question is, how do u get ur posts available to jetpack app
Ah that is probably a tech question I cannot answer Chris. Try WordPress help perhaps?
Alright thanks kate
great post, Kate , and very relatable. I take joy in giving compliments and after unintentionally offending another blogger I am very wary of criticising; it is so easy to find good things to say; I don’t want to hurt another person —
Exactly John. You are always kind and sprinkle it everywhere you go.
thanks Kate ; ‘I keep a close watch on this heart of mine’ 🙂 keeping on the sunny side of the street 🙂
Now I have two tunes running through my head which is rather confusing – perhaps I should add them to my running list and think of you John. You sound like you might be a Van Morrison man. On the bright side if the road.
I have bookmarked your post, Kate, so I can reread it anytime i want 🙂
A counterweight…i love that.
I do too.
We can’t control the negative, but we can weight ourselves against it.
[…] Counterweight […]
❤️❤️❤️
I love this. “Labrador energy”! 🙂 The containers with all their colorful potential are a perfect accompaniment to the poem and backstory. “Meanness is insanity.” This comment peels back the veil of what we accept as “normal” in society and defies our self-fulfilling negative definitions of “human nature.” “Hurt people hurt people” remains the basis of so much of our collective reality. Being a “counterweight” has ripple effects out into the world, the cosmos, even. Thank you for being one. ❤️
Great quote, too! (Maybe after you’re finished with “These Two Hands” your next project will be “These Two Knees.” 😉
Oh gosh if knees could speak – I suppose they do – they groan sometimes too
Beautiful poem This poem is a poignant exploration of the enduring impact of negativity on the human spirit. The imagery of black ink staining a white cloth serves as a powerful metaphor for how deeply negative experiences can mark our psyche. The poet’s reflection on the disproportionate weight of negative comments versus positive ones highlights a universal truth about human nature. Through their insightful words, the writer advocates for empathy and kindness, reminding us of the significant influence our actions and words can have on others. This thoughtful and introspective piece not only touches the heart but also inspires us to be more compassionate in our daily lives. The writer’s ability to convey such profound emotions with simplicity and clarity is truly commendable.
Thankyou, this writer thanks you for your insightful comments, I’m glad it resonated 🛬💕
Your words are a balm to the soul ❤️It’s heartbreaking that someone would leave such a hurtful comment, but you’re right, negativity can be overwhelming, and it’s crucial to counterbalance it with kindness. Keep shining your light, Kate 🙏
Thankyou for this lovely comment Ritish ❤️
🙏🙌
Violence, particularly against day women and girls, is exploding online facilitated by technology. I’m almost sure that man wouldn’t say those mean comments in person. It’s commendable that Australia is leading the way globally in addressing tech facilitated violence with the world’s first Commission dedicated to that cause.
A great post. Keep spreading positivity!!
Thankyou Dawn 🙏
Truth, 1 negative comment often overshadows so many positive comments. If we have a chance to sprinkle some goodness into a persons life we should definitely do it. beautiful writing
Thankyou for sprinkling kindness 💕✨
A great post. Keep spreading positivity!!
[…] Counterweight […]
Very true. Social media can be a toxic place. Even thought I have experienced few negative comments directly, we all get exposed to other’s abusive jokes and jibes.
And if we identify with the person being attacked, then we can take onboard those same criticisms and abuse ourselves. That’s why I decided to step back from everything but my blog. Social media can very quickly get under your skin and make you feel shit.
Very powerful and poignant poem that touched my heart and soul. Once the arrow of a negative remark is released there’s no way to know how much damage will be done to the target. “Meanness is insanity.” That statement resonated with me. 🙏❤️
Thankyou MM. Meanness is insanity or at the very least mental instability – it took me years to understand this and once I made the connection I have more compassion for the damaged soul.