I've read Frankenstein three times now—once in high school, once in college, and once a couple years ago in a two-person book club my friend & I briefly had. The first two times, my focus was on the topic of how science can be misguided and unethical. But during this recent reading, the concept of xenophobia really stood out to me. In putting this poem together, I really enjoying having the two characters dialog even more directly than they do in the pages of Mary Shelley's novel.
With how many things are we on the brink of becoming acquainted,
if cowardice or carelessness did not restrain our enquiries.
The human senses are insurmountable barriers to our union.
The fangs of remorse tore my bosom and would not forego their hold.
Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.
The sea, or rather the vast river of ice, wound among its dependent mountains, whose aerial summits hung over its recesses.
These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings.
I was a wreck — but nought had changed in those savage and enduring scenes… maternal nature bade me weep no more.
Many things I read surpassed my understanding and experience.
I was required to exchange chimeras of boundless grandeur for realities of little worth.
Sorrow only increased with knowledge.
By the utmost self-violence I curbed the imperious voice of wretchedness.
If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear.
Alas! why does man boast of sensibilities superior to those apparent in the brute; it only renders them more necessary beings.
Am I to be thought the only criminal, when all humankind sinned against me?
Seek happiness in tranquility, and avoid ambition.
Come on, my enemy; we have yet to wrestle for our lives.
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| Well-worn book with rose and baby's breath |
