Unit 3 - Contexts |
Reflection about ‘Getting better : life lessons on going under, getting over it, and getting through it ’
With Michael Rosen
I'm between the lines
and the train's coming.
Can't you see?
I'm between the lines
and the train's coming.
Give me a hand someone
give me a hand
the train's coming
give me a hand
I can't climb up.
The train's coming
and the platform's sliding in
toward me too
with the train still coming
coming down the tunnel the platform's sliding
sliding in towards me too.
I'm still down
Can't anyone see me?
down between the lines?
Look
see
me
the train
platform
me
the train
near now
nearer now
nearer and nearer now
NOW”
Michael Rosen's book introduction provides an intriguing perspective on the challenges individuals face in life, emphasizing the author's personal journey of recovery and resilience. The passage highlights the transformative impact of trauma and grief on one's life, underscoring the potential for finding joy and inner strength even in the darkest moments. Michael's exploration of his own experiences serves as a poignant reflection on the human capacity for recovery and self-discovery in the face of adversity.
My initial exposure to Michael Rosen through his popular emojis in China and subsequent discovery of his background in illustration and children's illustration tutoring at Goldsmiths reinforces the author's multi-faceted talents and experiences. This awareness adds depth to the reader's appreciation of Michael Rosen's work.
The book delves into the author's personal reflections on suffering and the emotional response it elicits. I notes the profound impact of Michael's experiences, as well as the anticipation of future challenges. The mention of the author's health complications and their impact on his psyche offers a glimpse into the emotional complexity of living through hardships.
I reflected Chinese saying that highlights the vulnerability of the weakest point when facing misfortune. This saying resonates with me, drawing attention to the universal human experience of encountering difficult circumstances. The passage emphasizes the role of poverty in magnifying the effects of misfortune and showcases empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by the less fortunate.
I appreciate the book's influence on my perception of emotions and pain. While the text may not directly impact my work, it enriches my emotional awareness. I acknowledge that the book has broadened my understanding of pain and resilience, prompting me to contemplate my own experiences and emotions.
The book ends with my admiration for Michael Rosen's poem, which captures a sense of despair and vulnerability. The poem resonates with me, as it evokes the universal fear of being trapped or overwhelmed by life's challenges.
“I’m down
I'm down the Underground
Waiting
Waiting for a train
There's the platform
There's the lines
There's the tunnel
There are the lines.
I'll wait down there
Down between the lines
Waiting for the train
Down between the lines
I'll climb down there
Down between the lines
and wait for the train
down there.
Look
Look up the tunnel look
Yes it's coming, it's coming
they say,
And it is.
And I'm between the lines.
And I can see it
See it coming and I'm between the lines.
Can someone give me a
hand up?
Can't you see?
In summary, the book offers a personal reflection on Michael Rosen's book, highlighting its impact on the reader's emotional awareness, empathy, and self-analysis. It underscores the power of literature to evoke deep introspection and understanding of the human experience."
References:
ROSEN, M. (2024) Getting better: Life lessons on going under, getting over it, and getting through it. S.l.: EBURY PRESS.