Beyond Reason into The Meaning of Life: A Poem

What is the meaning in all these?

.

The laborer toiling away in someone else’s fields

from dawn till dusk for a measly sum.

The fisherman setting out to sea

only to bring back a meager harvest.

The office clerk stooped behind a desk

hard-pressed to meet the daily deadline.

.

The market vendor haggling with customers

to sell goods just a few coins more to overprice.

The carpenter shaping wood and concrete

to form what needs to make part of a house.

The driver transporting someone else’s children

safely to and from their school.

.

They’re all the same,

in that they do,

what needs to be done.

.

But different perhaps

in why they do

what needs to be done.

.

Is it to earn to fill one’s belly?

Is it to get the praise

that only later turns to shame

from the shifting sentiments of men?

.

Is it to do evil for evil’s sake?

Is it to do goodness for goodness’ sake?

Is it to fill the common good,

to present one’s part of the masterpiece,

a symphony out of tune if missing one infinitesimal tone?

.

Perhaps one must ask:

not the what but the why of things

the why which makes one happy

.

Amidst confusion,

Seek beyond reason:

Joy, love and truth---

the reasons for doing

which are beyond reason to understand.

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You may also find related ideas from: Remembering Joy, Love and Peace