Thinking Out Loud In Victorian English 

SUPERFICIAL LIFE

I have oft pondered why we are granted to see the dawn anew each day, whilst certain souls are denied it. 

It seemeth to me as an ancient edict, carved in sheol, which doth decree that our names shall at last appear within a sentence ending thus: "was".

A decree to which we have grown accustomed, yet never shall we be truly resigned.

I have oft pondered how dearly solace is bought in this clamorous world, and how it doth attend mortality as a shadow attendeth the body.

I have oft pondered whether truly life commenceth after birth, or after death. 

I have oft pondered why men act as they do, and why I myself act as I do.

I have oft pondered why the Earth hath endured for timeless ages, but is foretold to meet its end anon.

I have oft pondered who it is that doth recycle the other: whether it be the Earth, or man, recycling the bounty of the Earth.

I have oft pondered why life is both steel and liquid.

I have oft pondered why life standeth in opposition to itself.

I have oft pondered why I am drawn to voiceless rhythms.  

But I have come to perceive that it is because they take me to that frame of mind wherein I set quill to paper in such fashion as this. 

And this, I have further perceived, is the only pursuit to which I know the answer.

Thus, on the whole, I choose a Superficial Life, though I know full well I cannot evade the other side.

At the very least, I shall possess the excuse that I never gave my consent to it.

Princess Ella