“Dear Lungs”: Columnist Stéphane Bonvin Writes to His Organs

In a deeply personal and poetic reflection, columnist Stéphane Bonvin addresses his own lungs, referring to them as "dear lungs" and likening them to "angels."

Bonvin draws parallels between his lungs and the celestial beings, noting their delicate pinkish-red hue, reminiscent of Giotto's angelic depictions or the flushed cheeks of children receiving communion. He emphasizes their surprising lightness and ethereal texture, describing them as akin to bath foam rather than solid flesh.

He acknowledges their vulnerability, stating they are neither made of steel nor autonomous. Without the support of structures like the ribs, Bonvin imagines they would resemble abandoned sponges, small as fists. Yet, despite their soft, spongy nature, he marvels at their extraordinary ability to expand and contract in a silent, almost sacred rhythm, like incense wafting through a church.

This intimate piece, titled "Dear Lungs," is part of the publication's exclusive content, accessible only to subscribers. It offers a moment of introspection on the vital, often unacknowledged, organs that sustain life.