“Dormant” – Poem & Analysis

The term “dormant” refers to a state of rest or inactivity. When something is dormant, it is temporarily inactive or not actively showing its usual characteristics or functions. The term now is used to describe the human’s dark side which refers to the potential for negative or harmful behaviors and emotions that lie within each individual. This dark side can include impulses toward aggression, anger and other destructive emotions and actions, which may stem from stress and pressure, past trauma, personal betrayal, and so on . However, for the majority of people, these dark tendencies remain dormant until certain factors or circumstances awaken them.

This poem was written from a perspective of person targeted and perceived as mild-mannered and docile, but reveals a hidden side, and force to be reckoned with. This analysis focuses on accepting and embracing the duality and complexity of one’s nature and how channeling it can be a powerful step towards achieving inner peace. It will also attempt to enlighten oppressors how false sense of security can lead to dire repercussions and underestimating and pushing individuals beyond those limits can trigger unexpected reactions.

                                                                                                                 Internal Conflict

Instead of suppressing or denying the dark side, acknowledging its existence and learning to work with it can lead to a more balanced and integrated sense of self. Keeping one’s dark side dormant can be a complex and challenging task, akin to the internal struggles of the Hulk and Bruce Banner. It’s a constant battle between conflicting emotions and impulses, where maintaining balance becomes crucial. Like the fictional Hulk, whose incredible power comes with the potential for great destruction, individuals with such internal conflicts may possess immense capabilities but also bear the responsibility of managing their emotions to prevent harm.

Another analogy of a conscience being like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde captures the duality of human nature, representing the internal conflicts that can arise within an individual. Similarly, a conscience can manifest as moral dilemmas, where two “wits” or aspects of one’s mind collide. These inner struggles can involve ethical considerations, decisions about right and wrong, and the desire to uphold certain values or principles. This kind of restraint can be seen as both a gift and a curse. On the one hand, having the ability to stay diplomatic and composed in difficult situations can be a valuable asset, enabling one to navigate sensitive matters with finesse. However, it can also be burdensome to carry the weight of such inner turmoil, always aware that a sudden switch in emotions might lead to unintended consequences.

                                                                                                             False Sense Of Security

This paragraph is directed towards bullies, tormentors, oppressors, intimidators, or whatever labels describes a person who habitually seeks to harm or cause menace to individuals they perceive as weak. For the moment, I’ll attempt to display extreme scenarios as a catalyst to illustrate potential outcomes of maintaining a toxic behavioral pattern to create awareness and promote reflection among oppressors. By presenting them with vivid details, it can possibly serve as a wake-up call to the consequences of their actions and the impact they have on others.

The workplace should ideally be a safe and respectful environment where employees can perform their duties without fear of mental or emotional torment. Unfortunately in the real world, there are frequent instances where supervisors or managers abuse their authority and create oppressive conditions for their subordinates. Employees may have already expressed their concerns about the oppressive behavior to higher-ups or human resources, but the situation is not being taken seriously and remains unresolved or gets worse. The fear of losing one’s job while facing mistreatment or other adverse circumstances in the workplace and the potential impact on their family’s well-being can be overwhelming and may indeed inspire an individual to contemplate drastic actions.

“Foolish minds advance with assumptions, of me being powerless to explode with volcanic eruptions.”

Tormentors fail to realize that human beings possess survival instincts that can come into play when faced with threats or extreme situations. In situations where individuals feel cornered or threatened, their fight-or-flight response, which is part of our primal instincts, may be activated. This response is an innate physiological and psychological reaction to perceived danger and can lead to actions that are geared towards self-preservation, resorting to violence or aggressive behavior. And depending on the severity of overwhelming factors such as ongoing workplace stress and personal hardships, not all individuals will be tempered with rational thought, ethical considerations, and respect for the rule of law.

“Trauma caused my mind to form a twisted division, conflicted with visions
a mission has risen to choose-
brass knuckle, sharp knife or loaded gun- decisions, decisions
consequences could have me sitting in prison”.

This disturbing quote from verse 2 was not meant to glorify nor promote violence but rather raise awareness to opressors towards a mindset that can develop from enduring frequent toxic behaviors by comtemplating various options. The quiet ones may have accumulated patience, but once it’s exhausted, they may respond firmly or decisively. Humble people are often characterized by their modesty, empathy, and respect for others. They don’t feel the need to assert themselves aggressively or dominate others to feel secure in their identity. However, beneath this calm and collected surface, a humble person may carry deep emotions and convictions. They might feel nervous or anxious when provoked because they are aware of the powerful emotions that can emerge if pushed too far. Their restraint is not a sign of weakness but rather a conscious choice to maintain harmony and avoid unnecessary conflict.

“It’s pitiful how your reaction is judged, outside lookers hold a passionate grudge,
but no one considers to question what triggered you”.

Reacting intensely to a situation can be a manifestation of accumulated stress, emotional pain, trauma, or other unresolved issues that the person may be experiencing, yet it is easy for outside observers to judge the person without fully grasping the underlying triggers and circumstances that led to the loss of control. Often, such judgments are based on false narratives or surface-level assumptions.

                                                                                                              Setting Boundaries

Boundaries are guidelines that individuals set for themselves to determine what behaviors, actions, and interactions are acceptable or unacceptable from others. For humble individuals, setting boundaries can be particularly important, as they might be more inclined to avoid conflicts or tolerate negative behaviors from others. However, allowing unhealthy behaviors to persist can lead to increased stress, emotional distress, and a negative impact on mental health.

In a sense, we are unconsciously enabling the beast within by suppressing our emotions and unresolved issues. A buildup of negative emotions like anger can act as fuel for the internal “beast” or darker side within us. When emotions like anger, frustration, or resentment are left unchecked and allowed to accumulate over time, they can intensify and create a volatile emotional state. The more fuel these emotions receive, the more power they gain, and the more challenging it becomes to keep them under control. If it continues to fester without being addressed, they can eventually reach a breaking point, leading to an emotional implosion or outburst. The internal turmoil that was seemingly under control can erupt uncontrollably, causing havoc in both personal and interpersonal aspects of life.

Toxic individuals may persist in their harmful behaviors if they believe they can get away with them or if they face no consequences for their actions. In such cases, it can become necessary to take assertive action, even if it means momentarily acting out of character, to address the situation and find closure. “Nipping things in the bud” refers to addressing and resolving an issue at its early stages before it escalates further. Taking timely action can prevent the situation from worsening and can be a way to protect yourself and others from further harm.