Poetry Challenge Day 352 (Wed Sep 21)
I have spent almost this entire last year attempting to write poetry that is original to me and at least, to the degree that I am able to do so, interesting to perhaps one or two other people. Buried deep in this motivation that spurs me, is the desire to reach some truth, some lasting vision of the world that will motivate me, and sustain my actions at least throughout the rest of my life. (I don’t pretend to speak for the beyond, I don’t really believe there is any real benefit to the here-and-now in doing so.) That said, I stumbled upon these words by Walt Whitman that spoke to me deeply. I was so moved I felt compelled to share them. Not only because they inspire me, but because I think they are worth sharing, and perhaps, just perhaps, you might also find them inspirational and even guiding in some small way. I promise this will be the only time (at least until this project is finished) that I quote from someone else. As you may have already surmised, I wish I had penned these words, but then, that is a bit unrealistic, I’m no Walt Whitman…
“This is what you shall do.
Love the earth and the sun and the animals.
Despise riches.
Give alms to everyone that asks.
Stand up for the stupid and crazy.
Devote your income and labor to others,
hate tyrants,
have patience and indulgence toward people,
take off your hat to nothing known or unknown,
or to any man or any number of men,
go freely with powerful uneducated persons
and the young and with the mothers of families…”
I took some liberty in formatting the quote in order to present the ideas more visually and thus (I hope) more clearly.