How I Survived World War 3
An Apocalyptic Short Poem
Well, I made it.
Survived the next world war—
who knew I had it in me?
Dodged the chaos, the fire,
the total collapse of civilization,
and all I got was this lousy survivor’s guilt.
But, hey, what’s done is done.
So now I’m retiring—
to Antarctica.
Yep, that’s right, the bottom of the world,
where the penguins roam free
and the Wi-Fi is… nonexistent.
A small price to pay for peace and quiet, I guess.
Antarctica, the ultimate retirement plan.
Forget Florida, forget the beach,
I want snow—
lots of it.
Ice as far as the eye can see.
And it’s not just the cold kind of snow—
it’s the “Why did you think this was a good idea?” snow.
No more politics, no more leaders,
no more “breaking news” alerts—
just me, my parka, and the wind screaming at my face.
Honestly, it’s kind of peaceful…
if you don’t count the frostbite creeping into my toes.
Small price for tranquility.
I’ve got my little shack set up.
A couple of blankets, a can of beans,
and a penguin neighbor I call Steve.
Steve doesn’t say much,
but he’s a good listener—
or maybe he’s just hungry.
Hard to tell with penguins.
Either way, it’s a win-win.
It’s like we’ve got a buddy system going on.
I always thought retirement was about kicking back,
sipping something tropical with a little umbrella.
But no—
I’m here, boiling snow for water
and wondering if I’m ever gonna see a tree again.
Or the sun, for that matter.
But hey, no sunburns down here, right?
Silver linings!
And every once in a while, I think,
“Was this the right call?”
But then I remember the whole world’s a mess up north,
and I’m the lucky one—
the one who found the ultimate bunker:
a place where nobody wants to go,
and the biggest threat is an overly curious seal.
Sure, it’s cold—
freezing, actually.
And the rations are running low,
and I may or may not be losing it,
talking to Steve like he’s my new best friend.
But I’ve got ice sculptures to make
and nothing but time.
So why not lean in, right?
Retirement to Antarctica.
It’s not glamorous.
It’s not warm.
But it’s mine—
me and the penguins,
chillin’ (literally)
at the end of the world.
And honestly,
it beats rush hour traffic.
About the Creator
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‘There Is a Sense of Things Careening Towards a Head’: TS Eliot Prize Winner Karen Solie
Karen Solie, the award-winning poet and TS Eliot Prize winner, has long been celebrated for her insightful exploration of human experience and contemporary life. Recently, she spoke about a feeling that pervades her work today: “a sense of things careening towards a head.” This statement captures both the urgency and tension present in her poetry, and offers a window into the mindset of one of today’s most influential literary voices. Solie’s reflections remind readers that poetry is not only about beauty or rhythm—it is a mirror for societal anxieties, personal contemplation, and the unpredictable nature of life. Who Is Karen Solie? Karen Solie is a Canadian poet whose work has won critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious TS Eliot Prize. Her poems are known for: Evocative language that paints vivid landscapes and emotions Reflection on social, political, and environmental issues Subtle commentary on the human condition Solie often blends observation with introspection, creating works that resonate with both emotion and intellect. Her poetry is widely studied and continues to influence a new generation of readers and writers. Understanding Her Statement The phrase “a sense of things careening towards a head” conveys tension, urgency, and anticipation. Solie explained that it reflects her perception of the world as both fragile and unpredictable. In her view: Events and emotions can escalate quickly, often beyond our control Social and environmental challenges add to a collective feeling of unease Poetry serves as a way to observe, interpret, and reflect on these accelerating moments In interviews, Solie emphasizes that this perspective is not doom and gloom—it is a call to pay attention, to witness, and to think critically about the paths we are on. Poetry as Reflection of the World Karen Solie’s work has long been praised for its connection to reality. Unlike purely abstract poetry, her writing often engages with: The natural environment, from forests to urban landscapes Societal shifts, such as economic pressure, political tension, and cultural change Personal experiences, weaving intimate reflection into larger contexts By describing life as “careening,” Solie acknowledges the chaotic yet patterned nature of existence. Her poetry encourages readers to pause, reflect, and notice the small and large forces shaping their lives. Examples from Her Work In many of Solie’s collections, the theme of mounting tension is apparent. Critics note how she: Explores moments of uncertainty, where seemingly small events lead to dramatic consequences Captures the fragility of human connections in a fast-paced world Uses language rhythm and structure to reflect the unpredictability she observes This stylistic approach aligns with her recent comment, giving her audience a direct lens into the psychological and social layers of her poetry. Why This Matters Today In a world filled with rapid change—whether political, environmental, or personal—the feeling of “things careening towards a head” resonates with many. Solie’s poetry: Reflects the modern experience of uncertainty and acceleration Encourages readers to observe, question, and interpret rather than passively accept Provides a space for emotional processing, giving language to feelings that are often hard to articulate Her work reminds us that poetry is not only aesthetic but deeply engaged with life, serving as both warning and meditation. Interviews and Public Commentary In recent interviews, Solie discussed how her writing has evolved over time. She explained that, while she has always observed the world with care, current times amplify the feeling of escalation and urgency. She also noted: Poetry allows her to navigate uncertainty and organize thoughts Sharing work publicly is a way to connect with readers facing similar challenges The statement about careening is a reflection, not a prediction, offering insight rather than fear This approach has made her work especially relevant in today’s cultural climate, where readers are searching for clarity and emotional resonance. The Role of the TS Eliot Prize Winning the TS Eliot Prize has elevated Solie’s profile internationally. The prize: Recognizes outstanding poetry collections Brings attention to poets with distinct voices and perspectives Encourages global readers to engage with contemporary poetry For Solie, the recognition is significant, but she emphasizes that the work itself—the poems—remains central. The feeling she describes is inseparable from her creative practice, reminding audiences that great poetry often emerges from observing the world deeply. Takeaways for Readers and Writers Karen Solie’s reflection on “things careening towards a head” offers several lessons: Observe carefully – Pay attention to the details and patterns in life. Express honestly – Use language to articulate complex feelings and observations. Balance urgency with reflection – Recognize escalating situations, but maintain perspective. Engage with the world – Poetry is a tool for connecting personal insight with societal currents. For aspiring writers, Solie demonstrates that poetic voice thrives when it captures both the inner and outer worlds with clarity and empathy. Conclusion Karen Solie’s recent statement highlights a core truth of her work and life philosophy: the world is accelerating, moments of tension are inevitable, and poetry offers a lens through which to understand, reflect, and communicate these experiences. Her work, recognized with the TS Eliot Prize, reminds readers that attention, reflection, and creative expression are essential tools for navigating a complex world. In a society often rushing toward uncertainty, Solie’s words encourage us to pause, observe, and consider the paths we are traveling—both individually and collectively. For readers and writers alike, her insight is both a warning and an invitation: to notice the world careening around us, and to respond thoughtfully through reflection, observation, and art.
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Comments (1)
well done