AstonishmentWhy after all this one and not the rest?Why this specific self, not in a nest, But a house? Sewn up not in scales, but skin?Not topped off by a leaf, but by a face?Why on earth now, on Tuesday of all days,And why on earth, pinned down by this star's pin?In spite of years of my not being here?In spite of seas of all these dates and faces,These cells, celestials, and coelenterates?What is it really that made me appearNeither an inch nor half a globe too far
The quote expresses the speaker's deep astonishment at their own existence and the specific circumstances surrounding it. The rhetorical questions highlight the wonder of being a unique individual rather than just a part of a collective existence. The contrast between different forms of existence, such as scales versus skin or a leaf versus a face, emphasizes the complexity and uniqueness of human life. The speaker seems to be pondering the randomness or fate that led to their being who they are in this moment.
Furthermore, the mention of time and space — like the reference to a Tuesday and the idea of being pinned down by a star — evokes a sense of cosmic intrigue. The speaker questions why, despite the vastness of time and the multitude of experiences that could have shaped them, they are precisely where they are now. This contemplation reflects a profound appreciation for life and the intricate connections that define individuality, prompting readers to consider the nature of their own existence and the sheer improbability of being alive.
