I really love this story—the descriptions are awesome. Especially “infinitely recursive forms of mathematical life.” I’m not even a math person, but I love that line. :D

Huge zoom-in from a truly astronomical perspective. Nicely imagined and nicely described.

This is either the trippiest of drug highs or a truly interesting moment of (re)birth.

@Jim: Why can’t it be both?

Why not, indeed?

I have absolutely no words.

My mind is full of what.

ahadfmdkv

moar.

A very nice trip! It could be interpreted in a few ways, which is not a bad thing at all. Congratulations!

Makes me think of how shamanic type knowledge and journeys were sometimes drug induced same for fortune telling. Hallucinogens being used to move into an altered state of mind.

Very groovy insight into the mind of a magician. At least that’s my interpretation. The microcosm is the macrocosm is the microcosm, etc, etc…

A meditative moment, however induced, be it lack of air or abundance of drugs. Perspective.

Amazing imagery! I could really see everything in my mind as you described it

This…

“All is one, crying out in a chorus of unified voices, transcending speech into pure harmonic thought, words felt not heard, for centuries.”

…is poetic. I like the way it reads very much.

You like the way it reads, imagine how it feels…

This is also somewhat related to my ficlet “Sugar, Baby.” It relates to events later in the story.

The scientific mind that lives within my head finds this to be a great reason not to do drugs. Almost understanding the universe and everything in it, universal knowledge within your grasp if you could just reach out and… you’re back to reality.

This was written in such a way as to evoke the most brilliant of images. I just imagine you gibbering about on the floor, bleeding from shards of a broken bong, a truly eloquent mess.

Hmmm – does her occupation support a drug addiction?

Very interesting. This is the kind of trip I would like to have but I admit that my fear prevents me from exploring it further. My question is what has the protagonist brought back? Clearly something has changed.

Really great. “Universal consciousness reaches into his forehead, takes its place behind his eyes.” is my favorite line, I think. I think. There are a few.

I think I’d forgotten just how much I love your writing.

There are so many different possible interpretations for this piece that it’s more than a little mind blowing. I know how this feels, and you really brought the memory of it back, made me shiver just thinking about it.

Beautifully poetic with a dark story beneath it. I really hope to see more of the Candy storyline. It’s intriguing me.

I’m glad you all enjoyed this so much. :-)

Background: The only drug I know of that could cause this kind of trip is DMT, and the entire trip would happen in about 15 minutes, tops. DMT is a fascinating substance from an academic and psychological standpoint — it is produced my numerous plants and animals throughout nature, including the human body, and it is the most potent hallucinogen known to mankind. It has been used for thousands of years by shamanic people throughout South America (and other parts of the world).

Check out the movie/book “DMT: The Spirit Molecule.”

As for addiction, hallucinogens are anti-addictive. In fact, LSD has been used to fight alcoholism and other addictions.

Finally, as for the whole Candy storyline… The story centers mostly around David (the dapper dude) and his encounters on an island. That’s all I can say for now. :-)