Invisbility In Vocation (Being Invisible, Part Three)

I am doing a series of themed posts in trilogies: this is part three of the invisibilty sequence (see earlier posts for the other two.)
SO: another take on invisibility. Choice makes such a difference..


in praise of invisibility


i have cultivated the art of invisibility and studied the great mystics
the technicalities involved are tricky, lots of planning and logistics
certainly I would resent it greatly if the state of not being recognised
were imposed through social limitations but I like being so disguised
emily, I remember, wrote "I am nobody, who are you?" and I relate
to that sense of nebulous mystery: too much public notice I would hate
but most especially, and delightful, when I can't see myself I am more able
to slip and float more fluidly through worlds of legend, myth and fable
I don't want to look or seem the sort of person who can easily be bagged
for those who want me gift wrapped, conveniently tied up and neatly tagged
How much easier, and more fun it is, to be me by just not being me, disappear
this is my invisibility invocation, I have made it my dedication and career
of course this is perhaps escapism in the world of every day: a paradox
but I won't display identifiable features, they might put me in a box
a psychiatrist once said to me: "such unhealthy avoidance of being seen!"
but I asked him "don't you ever shrink yourself, visit places in between
what we think is normal reality, and the magical other world of parallel?
I spend a lot of time exploring shadowy lands, and am adjusting very well"

(eva day)





(NOTE: reference to emily is re Emily Dickinson poem "I'm Nobody")

KATE BUSH. LYRICS: HOW TO BE INVISIBLE

I found a book on how to be invisible
Take a pinch of keyhole
And fold yourself up
You cut along a dotted line
You think inside out
And you're invisible

Eye of Braille
Hem of anorak
Stem of wallflower
Hair of doormat

I found a book on how to be invisible
On the edge of the labyrinth
Under a veil you must never lift
Pages that you must never turn
In the labyrinth
You stand in front of a million doors
And each one holds a million more
Corridors that lead to the world
Of the invisible
Corridors that twist and turn
Corridors that blister and burn

Eye of Braille
Hem of anorak
Stem of wallflower
Hair of doormat
Is that the wind from the desert song?
Is that the autumn leaf falling?
Or is that you walking home?

Is that the wind from the desert song?
Is that the autumn leaf falling?
Or is that you walking home?
Is that a storm in the swimming pool?

You take a pinch of keyhole
And fold yourself up
You cut along a dotted line
You think inside out
You jump 'round three times
You jump into the mirror
And you're invisible

invisibility part two - how to disappear without attracting too much attention

HOW TO BE INVISIBLE PART TWO

have an everyday ordinary life and an orderly response always be aware of the majority view
dress, move, think unremarkably blandly blur the edges be part of the many never one of the few
consider at all times safety and discretion, the better valour, the bolder aspects not recommended
leave the acts of sudden impulses or the urge to speak out to those happy to be naked, undefended

consider volume, colour, tempo - speak quietly, wear mottled tones and dulled hues, don't walk too fast
never arrive early at a venue, nor sit too close to the front, leave quickly, quietly, neither be first or last
avoid any extreme or intense emotion or response, most particularly sudden anger or bursts of enthusiasm
don't let sexuality be more than moderate pleasure, don't get too abandoned, don't allow yourself orgasm

passion is not to be engaged in, it tends to make a person noisy, and magnetism may make them more evident
better to be controlled neat, mild and remain in middle ground: take care not to elaborate, question or invent
never be noticeably often part of any particular group or trend, or strong opinion, listen and observe and be aware
of changes and hot issues and the dramas of the folk around you - yet look subtly, from the sidelines, never stare

step back and let others take the spotlight, stay close to quiet and shadowy places, but never linger or seem to lurk
don't be loud or rude or particularly funny but avoid any impression of being morose don't step out of line at work
always speak less than others and most briefly without particular indication of strong thoughts, feelings or ideals
stay safe stay quiet agree with the majority view but don't commit be empty never notice never speak of how it feels

in social situations, always aim for unexceptionable behaviour don't be too often part of groups or anything off-beat
but neither should you seem to be reclusive, too withdrawn don't notice anyone familiar if they pass you on the street
when you must look into a mirror to make sure your appearance is acceptable, appropriate, don't look into your eyes
be content and settled in a routine and in a simple world, don't dream or dawdle or invent, become your own disguise.

eva day