Inspired by the poetry of Wisława Szymborska, My non arrival is an emotional journey that explores the intricacies of human connection and the bittersweet dance of hope and detachment.
Set in one of my favourite non-places, the arrivals at a railway platform, My non arrival was awarded Audionomia's "best mini-headphone".
In My non arrival the estrangement between the protagonist and the voice of the announcer becomes an evocative thread that weaves through the narrative.
As listeners immerse in the soundscape of a bustling train station, a poignant sense of distance unfolds, born from the announcer addressing the protagonist directly.
The voice of the announcer, though authoritative and guiding, accentuates the protagonist's isolation. It's as if the world around her acknowledges her presence but remains distant, unattainable.
Each announcement becomes a reminder of her yearning for connection, the anticipation of her beloved's arrival, and the profound vulnerability that accompanies unmet expectations.
As the train approaches, the estrangement deepens, as the protagonist stands on the precipice of hope and despair.
The announcer's instructions on how to approach the carriage, the gentle warning to ignore the embraces of strangers, and the delicate reminder to carefully search for her love within the crowd emphasize the weight of her solitude.
The departure of the train, coupled with the announcer's matter-of-fact declarations, reverberates with the ache of unfulfilled longing.
The protagonist finds herself at the crossroads of acceptance and heartache, where the pain of nonarrival meets the poetry of possibilities.
With this audio piece, I hope to draw the listener into an emotional journey that explores the intricacies of human connection and the bittersweet dance of hope and detachment.
The estrangement produced by the voice of the announcer, speaking directly to the protagonist, reflects the universal experience of seeking intimacy amidst a world that may, at times, feel distant and elusive.