Dunbar’s number
Six degrees or —endless separation—of—
[please insert your favorite person here]
People have been counting on people.
Some of those thinkers (and labcoats)
may have discovered a thing or four.
That…The optimal number of friends
and people in a personal space,
is between 150-250 heads (and/or faces).
That’s how many people you could name,
and even know —deep in your heart of hearts—
that you might actually know them
(even if only one tiny bit).
And when the crowds keeps on growing
over this number of Dunbar,
a constant fog of the brain
or the heart might start to set in,
with endless pollution and confusion:
—moments and lifetimes stolen away
from our closest of friends.
Thought it might seem…to be…
like some people will only need one.
A BFF (gadget) constantly glued to their face.
(Just as they’re getting in line).
A shiny plastic device
that has made it so ordered and even…
much above and beyond
this lonely mysterious number
that is we and ourselves.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar%27s_number
Oh, and I meant to link to this but I forgot. It goes along so well with what I had written.
I think we have both stumbled upon the same thought. I’m glad we can relate, even if in a small concept.
Thaaaank you. I really liked your poem. It says something about the fragility (and importance) of friendships. Just how many people you can be friends with and stay in touch (before you start losing touch with the old ones).