By Chip Kussmaul

© 2026

Note: A data set is a collection of data used to compile statistics.

Each of us is a data set, containing address,

credit score, work history, education level, medical history,

birth date, age, bank balances,

credit card debt, and so forth.

To each other, we are people.

To the government, to the banks, and to the world in general,

we are known only by our data sets, not by who we are.

THE STATISTICAL SEA

I am a data set.

You are a data set.

We are all data sets

In a swirling statistical sea.

I am 53.2 % of this,

You are 57.6 % of that.

*

We float in a sea

Of democracy.

We took a vote,

Majority rules who

I am supposed to

Be.

*

66.1% say we are

Right on this,

But 72.3% say

We are wrong

On that.

We are the majority in this

We proclaim quite loud.

But we are the minority

In that,

So we proclaim

We’re proud.

*

Either way, we must assert,

Push forward,

Make our presence known.

We will not be cowed

Or be held down.

We will show no fear.

We are the one true cause,

We will march on…

But, who am I

Right here?

Nobody knows,

Nobody cares.

*

To be accepted,

To be known

I must be 83.1%

Of this, and

76.4% of

That.

It is how I identify.

And this matters, why?

*

Am I to be measured

By the color of my

Skin,

By factors I don’t control?

Am I too white?

Too male?

Am I a sorry sight

To see?

No problem,

I’ll change my name

And have surgery.

*

I am a data set.

You are a data set.

We are all just data sets

That make up

The swirling statistical sea.

The current moves us here,

It moves us there,

And then…somewhere

Else.

*

We have but scant

Control of

That swirling current.

It crashes us recklessly

Upon the rocks.

We cry in fearful

Desperation, scattered

In all directions,

Until there is a calmer sea.

*

But do not

Celebrate that quiet time,

That peace for which we yearn;

Those quiet waters

May hide a

Riptide that

Feigns tranquility,

Then carries us

Beyond the reef,

Helpless to return.

*

I have floated

In those currents.

I know what is in store.

No longer will

I be swept away,

I have washed myself

Ashore.

Now I stand

On dry land.

Stand on my own two legs,

And, finally, I can be

100% of

Me.