Introduction

CONNECTION

We never exist in solitude. Time never exists in solitude. People and things always link up, following one after another in a succession. The pieces of writing in this fourth and final chapter of Into a New Tongue all, in one way or another, reflect this simple fact. These pieces all concern themselves with the world and with existences that go beyond ourselves. They remind us that we are never alone, whether or not we like, or even accept, that inescapable fact. They remind us of our interconnectedness. They remind us that we always exist within systems that are larger than any one individual.

“Untitled” deals with the burden of such an existence and how even in such a world, we can still sometimes find ourselves feeling completely and utterly alone. There is validity in that. “There Came the Darkness” also flirts with the all-too-familiar feeling of alienation in a world that seems to work as one machine-like entity, a makeup of thousands of tiny cogs all moving in a manner that we often cannot comprehend. However, this story also demonstrates the power of finding and embracing connectedness. It shows that the indelible marks of connection are not something to run or hide from. However, “Late Afternoon Commute” complicates this. It forces us to reckon with the fact that, for many of us, being alone is often a matter of practical safety. There are those in the world that wish us harm; this is also inescapable. Leaning into the inherent connectedness of the world can bring us so much, and yet, there are those who will always seek to exploit that which we cannot wholly remove ourselves from.

“The Sea” demonstrates an entirely separate angle to connectedness. This poem illuminates the knowledge and power that can come with connecting oneself to the living, breathing universe. There is something pure, unfiltered and primal about embracing a connectedness to nature and “The Sea” perfectly demonstrates this. It is another part of our connected spider-web of a world that we cannot remove ourselves from entirely, no matter how much we sometimes try. Finally, “How Canada Would Benefit From Maglev Trains” perfectly explores the practical applications of technology that can further our connectedness. It forces us to recognize how much thicker our web of connection has become with modern technology, and how it may become thicker still. Yet, this essay also embraces this inescapable reality. Choo! Choo!

Jacob Durden

Editor