‘What a piece of work is a man! '
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And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? '
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The question you pose so exquisitely is one that can be answered in million ways and still would stay incomplete. May be Buddha got it right with his nothingness! Though that doesn’t satisfy me either! Enjoyed reading the poem. I was looking for your other poem but instead opened this one. So much to learn about mythology here. My favorite reading part.
hi, valsa! so now, with your help, i've read this a second time. the first, coming on it by accident, i was drawn in by the hamlet quote, one of my favorites from the play, one of my favorites from shakespeare in general. it just strikes me that it is we who have leisure who have the time to think long on such things. that said, in the role of teacher (like you) with young people, i have called attention to the importance of knowing ourselves. and certainly an important take-away from sitting in meditation is getting acquainted with ourselves as we watch our thoughts. one of the things this poem of yours reminds me of is of all the impressive writing on us taking both positive and negative views. the hamlet quote contains both. and what a phrase, quintessence of dust(!) on man and self-reflection i have several poems you could read: who are we? my sixty-eight year old self looks in a mirror scrawny chicken nature and man another glimpse of whitman listening to genius loves company on christmas morning imagine me several with home pome in the title fit this category, and in these you'll find some positive views of my wife and granddaughter. as i write this i realize that i tend to find comfort and inspiration in nature as a counter to my disappointment in people. glen
Triumphant! ! ! You put into elegant words my - and I believe all of our- - thoughts about ourselves. And you did it so far far far better than I could by using your highly educated and intelligent mind to reference the Greek mythology in your exploration of the heart and soul of man. We are such a mishmash, and if we live an unexamined life, we are such a train wreck. If we at least confront the man in the mirror, we do have the opportunity to try to change. Powerful piece of literature here. Worthy of a million ten's. Putting this on my Fav list.
Thank you so much Susan! As ever, you have once again made me happy with your generous words of commendation! Both the poems are unique in their own ways! Yes, occasionally we have to make a self introspection to find out who we really are and think of ways and means to improve our selves. Glad you find the poem erudite and intelligent!
Made of Dust! But with hope. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.
In the most emphatic way the question you pose, dear Lady, was posed by Sophocles in the fifth b.d. cent.. In his tragedy Oedipous the enigma put to him by the Sphinx of Thebes had one right answer ''the Human Being''.In other words that is the problem we have to face ''The human Being''.You probe the mystery the right way, through literary history, through the first attempts of human beings who tried for a thousand years from 1500 b.d. until 5th century to face it.This is the period of the greek myths were fformed.The most important thing for human's history is that those myths formed not any religious cast But the Poets.This very fact was it which formed the modern civilization, the whole western civilization.It depends on modern poets to continue on the same route.....And you undertake exactly this Labour by this poem.///I have started translating the poem into greek.
I am sorry I won't be able to enjoy your translation as it will ever remain Greek and Latin to me. However I am so happy that you will translate my poem into a classical language!
In two, three days I'll have translated this one here.I hope in my translation it will sound equally beautiful.Thank you dear Lady, for the opportunity given.
Who am I A difficult question before replying it we need to decide whether some thing can be created from nothing or not. What is the meaning of clay from which Adam was created? Why story of Adam and Eve is heard in Sumerian Civilization only? Is soul a reality? What God actually is? Is God present in all the living and non-living matter? Is all the universes as whole a single existence? Is this life a reality or a dream? Budha is silent about God. I have my own thinking but I don't want to be tried in a court of law for blasphemy. So Valsa please let me be silent. As far as your poem is concerned it's really great. I believe in God because I think it's better to die believing in a God. And man, in one way or another has a God within him. Body is soil and soul is God.............10
Thru this poem u look like a poet that will dwell in the golden books of literature..so beautifully mythical characters have been reflected in humanity around and self..... great poem
I am humbled as i am but a student of poetry and criticism, and my li'l scribblings are just an entry ticket to stay among the learned people and teachers, and all my accounts are not for posting and exchanging but learning from all of you and representing my country by my writing...many thanks!
Bri, how can you be so 'nasty'...... mistaking this one with the poem on Dementia and stop reading it mid way? ? ?
hey valsa, i was looking for the 'dementia' poem you mentioned. i guess this isn't it. i did not finish reading this, but thanks anyway! bri :)
GREAT METAPHORS...man is unique and multi-talented individuals, its a matter of honing for great purpose that counts!
A very good poem of archetype images.Very attractive.
nice to ride... now these are symbols for us of worth and worst. who am i? is not it a life mystery!
Very true said, We had a Fantastic ride through Greek Mythology. Many Characters became known to us, especially with Dinesh Sir, writing. This is really a Master piece......You have a vast knowledge of oceans and you have put each characters in proper place and choosing proper words. Really an Exclusive poem...Loved reading it.
You are a bundle of knowledge to quote Greek mythology from your finger tips. Dinesh's notes helps us a lot in decoding the poem. I hope I know who I am. Thank you.
Oh what a poem it is......this is poetry and poetess' masterpiece......I am speechless Valsa..............please keep sharing always great piece like this......
Thank you Dinesh, for complementing my poem with your elaborate notes on the mythological figures referred.... Please don't make me feel embarrassed with your glowing compliments on this poem... I am thoroughly flabbergasted! Personally I don't believe, this is a great poem...! I was surprised to read the comments of Sandra Fledman, Pradip, Gulsher, Dinesh and Sunprincess..... Thank you so much, though I don't deserve so much!
i too titled one of my poem months ago... Who am I? invite u to read that. gracefully you fabricated the story of man and his destiny in this mysterious universe
Man, a jumble of contradictions, I know….A hard nut to crack! So unfathomable, so mysterious At once a Satan and an angel.....so touching and meaningful. A brilliant poem is so impressively delineated by yoy dear madam, thanks for sharing. Full vote.