Violence

Graphic from Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Violence is something that should not happen and our reactions to it can be quite strong even when it is staged. All societies have taboos against violence which are deeply embedded in belief, custom and law. However, Robert E. Neale, in The Art of Dying, makes the point that, “People who break taboos are immoral – or insane – or holy.”


The aged catch their breath,
For the nonchalant couple go
Waltzing across the tightrope
As if there were no death
Or hope of falling down;*


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* Stanza from W.H. Auden's "The Sea and the mirror." (I think)