Ah, September 2023, and the kids are back in school, where their minds can be challenged and their innate curiosity can be piqued to pursue their academic interests.

Recently I had an opportunity to attend the annual Institute for Systems Biology’s Summer Soiree —- where the wine and hors d’oeuvres flowed and the scientific presentations thrilled and amazed us. Stimulating conversation followed as we spoke personally with the young, brilliant scientists about their various projects. Next generation up!!!

Again, it occurred to me that it is the curiosity level of scientists (anybody, really) which keeps them burning the midnight oil in pursuit of answers to their questions concerning mankind.

Thank goodness for scientists and thank goodness for teachers who can awaken their curiosity!

Here, then, is my September 2023 Poem of the Month, “Awakening.” I hope you enjoy and experience it.

And, remember: Whatever the question, love is always the answer.

AWAKENING

The whole art of teaching is the art of awakening
The natural curiosity of the student you teach.
The student’s curiosity will take him far
As he continues to ponder everything in reach.

Without curiosity there’s rarely an awakening;
The two go together like crackers and cheese.
It’s exhilarating to be alive in a time of awakening.
It can come in one “whoosh,” or slowly, by degrees.

If every day is an awakening for you,
It is said that you’ll never grow old —
No, you’ll just keep on growing and explore as you grow
And live in amazement as you watch your life unfold.

Puccini noted that “inspiration is an awakening.”
It’s “a quickening of [the entirety] of our faculties.”
“It is manifested in all high artistic achievements.”
(Also in Science, in Mathematics, and in the Humanities.)

A spiritual awakening is when something emerges
From within you that is deeper than who you thought you were.
You, the person, are still there, but now it appears
That something more powerful shines through, to be sure.