Sooner or later, in one’s life, the existential questions begin to pop up in our conscious minds… like, “Why was I born?” “What is the meaning of life?” “Where did I come from (before birth) and where am I going (after death)?” … and many more… for instance, “What is my purpose?”

I certainly don’t have any finite answers that would necessarily quiet your mind, or work for you — but it’s a treat to share comments on some of the esoteric thoughts that pop up every now and then for me.

Perhaps the answers to some of these kinds of questions will come to us, and perhaps they won’t… but for me, at this time, I am consciously working on simply “being where my feet are.” 

That’s the best I can do, for now…

Please enjoy the October 2023 Poem of the Month, entitled “Meaning.”

And, remember, “Whatever the question, Love is always the answer.

MEANING

What is the meaning of the word “meaning?”
Where does it measure on the scale of understanding?
The definition of meaning must depend upon who is searching;
So, agreement about “meaning” is elusive, notwithstanding.

Plato defines man as “a being in search of meaning,”
And many people I know could be defined that way.
The searches play out in as many ways as there are people.
They each formulate their search on their own pathway.

It is also believed that people are not really looking for meaning,
But for the experience of being alive on this earth.
Joseph Campbell suggests this… So is meaning a by-product
Of a successful discovery of one’s own self-worth?

The meaning of life is not to be discovered only
After death in some hidden mysterious realm.
It is found by eating fruit from the Tree of Life;
By sailing (living) fully and creatively. You’re at the helm!

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.

Recently, while sorting through, literally, piles (and boxes) of notes jotted down for potential future poems, my eyes fell upon a paragraph about education by one Neil Gaiman. By “googling” his name, I learned he is an award-winning contemporary English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels and audio theatre.

In this found paragraph, he lists some necessary subjects that are not taught in any school. I must say, I found them to be a bit unusual, and they whetted my appetite to do further “googling.”

Kalen Bruce’s list, entitled “47 Things You Weren’t Taught In School (That Our Kids Need To Know)” was an eye opener, as well. It lists specific things that are necessary for a reality based life, from 1. “How To Budget” to 47. “Mental Health.”

So, here’s the August 2023 Poem Of The Month, “Important Things Not Learned In School.” I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Also, check out Kalen Bruce’s list of 47! You’ll be amazed!!

And, underlying all the suggestions to improve the education system or anything else, for that matter, remember that whatever the question, love is always the answer.

IMPORTANT THINGS NOT LEARNED IN SCHOOL

Many people have weighed in on the subject of education.
It becomes a hot topic every four years, or so.
Politicians spew promises: “More money is the answer!”
Yet, after the election, where does the money go?

Schools are not improved, and the kids’ preparedness for life
Falls short, by most everyone’s measure.
True education comes from life… from school and home;
From the streets; from social media; and even college lecture.

Robert Fulghum advised adults about how children learn:
“Don’t worry that children never listen to you;
Worry that they are always watching…” your every move.
How they walk and how they talk will give you a clue.

And George Carlin, that comedic hippy-dippy-do,
Suggested we “Don’t just teach [our] children to read.
Teach them to question what they read,” and even
“Teach them to question everything…” in order to succeed.

Neil Gaiman’s list of things not taught in school
Includes topics that are personal and not heard before:
One of his is learning “how to love somebody else;”
Followed by “how to be rich,” and “how to be poor.”

And other things on his list of equal uniqueness
Appear that can make someone stop, and see a link…
But that’s the main reason for education:
Learning how to, but not necessarily what to think.

There are many practical things not taught in school**
That would prepare a person for real life, if taught.
They range from “How to budget,” to “How to manage stress.”
The list is long, and most important — it is food for thought.