We live by metaphors (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) and new metaphors will enrich our thinking.

Here I have tried to integrate various aspects of trauma into one metaphoric model.

The model shows the relativistic nature of when and how some traumatic experiences are recognized.

It provides a socially constructed view of trauma without ignoring the real existence of suffering.

All testimonies of trauma are real as well as representations.

Testimonies should be respected and received as testimonies per se of the very persons who utter them.

At the same time those testimonies are precious reminders and vicarious voices of those who are in the inner sea of the RSI. And the RSI itself is a precious reminder of other RSIs sunk beneath the sea.