Today I speak to my bones as I would speak to a dog. I want to go up the stairs, I tell them. Up, up, up, with one leg dragging. Is the ache deep in the bones, this elusive pain? Does that mean it will rain? Good bones, bones, I coax, wondering how to reward them; if they will sit up for me, beg, roll over, do one more trick, once more.There. We're at the top. bones! Good ! Keep on going.
In this poignant reflection from "Good Bones and Simple Murders" by Margaret Atwood, the speaker addresses their own bones in a tender yet playful manner. By personifying their bones, they express a relatable struggle with physical discomfort while attempting to encourage their body to keep moving. The act of speaking to their bones like a pet reveals a deeper connection between the mind and body, exemplifying the desire to overcome pain and obstacles.
The speaker's musings about the potential connections between bodily aches and the weather hint at a larger theme of human experience. They reconcile their frustrations with determination, celebrating the small victories of navigating daily tasks. This interaction is not just about physical movement; it also reflects a broader struggle of resilience and self-compassion in the face of life's challenges.
