Artist’s Statement – “Nothing”
This poem is about the loneliness of survival when there’s no one left to witness you. It came from a place of asking for help — from people, from Spirit, from tarot — and hearing silence. It’s about the exhaustion of stitching yourself shut when no one admits you to the hospital, the humiliation of being judged by your body, and the grief of carrying burdens alone.
But it’s also about honesty. Sometimes the truth isn’t triumphant or hopeful. Sometimes the truth is that you’re still here, burning a light in the kitchen long after everyone’s gone, realizing that all you’re left with is nothing.
The poem “Nothing” masterfully captures the profound loneliness that can accompany survival when no one else remains to bear witness. This feeling of isolation is something many can relate to, especially when coping with invisible struggles or unspoken burdens. The imagery of boiling a kettle for a ghost and sleeping alone in a bed infused with hospital scents conveys a haunting sense of absence and unmet needs. The metaphor of stitching oneself shut points to the emotional exhaustion and self-protection mechanisms people develop when external help is unavailable or withheld, such as when facing medical neglect or societal judgment. The reference to tarot cards and a locked door with the nurse off shift extends the metaphor of hope deferred—seeking guidance and comfort but arriving at silence or inaccessibility. It reflects a universal experience of reaching out for assistance, whether spiritual, emotional, or practical, only to be met with emptiness or delay. This intensifies the feeling of loneliness and raises important conversations about mental health, stigma, and self-care strategies in isolation. Importantly, the poem also embraces honesty about the nature of survival. Not every truth in life is uplifting or victorious; sometimes survival is about enduring the quiet moments, staying present despite despair. The image of burning a light in the kitchen long after everyone has left evokes a determination to continue existing and to hold on to any small glimmer of hope, even when all appears lost. For readers navigating similar emotions or challenges, this piece offers validation and solidarity. It highlights that while silence and solitude can feel overwhelming, the act of acknowledging these realities is itself a form of courage. Engaging with poetry like “Nothing” encourages open discussions about invisible pain and the varied ways people cope with emotional hardship. In summary, the poem and statement invite reflection on themes of loneliness, resilience, and honesty. By articulating the nuances of being physically and emotionally alone, it resonates deeply with anyone who has felt unseen. This artist’s work enriches conversations about mental health, personal struggle, and the quiet strength found in simply continuing to move forward despite feeling like all that remains is "nothing."
