Poreikiyan

Poreikiyan is a term with origins in the fictional universe of the novel "The Chronology of Water" by Lidia Yuknavitch. Within the narrative, Poreikiyan refers to a specific type of internal struggle or a deeply personal, often painful, psychological state experienced by the protagonist, Ana. It is not a biological or medical condition, but rather a metaphorical representation of trauma, memory, and the complex ways individuals process overwhelming experiences.

The concept of Poreikiyan is closely tied to the themes of survival, identity, and the body's relationship with emotional distress as explored in Yuknavitch's work. It suggests a realm within the self where repressed emotions and traumatic memories reside, manifesting as a profound sense of fragmentation or a persistent internal ache. The term is used to articulate a feeling that is difficult to name or categorize, existing in the liminal space between conscious thought and subconscious experience.

While the specific manifestations of Poreikiyan vary for Ana throughout the novel, it generally signifies a resistance to healing or a deep-seated emotional scar that shapes her perceptions and actions. It is a state of being that underscores the profound impact of trauma on the human psyche and the arduous journey toward integration and self-understanding. The term serves as a unique linguistic tool to describe an ineffable internal landscape.