What a wonderful world

I have seen but a few days,
but I can interpret inverted omens;
I recognize the injustice of infirmity,
and the denouncement of innocence;
how the body becomes a hole
for worms to slither through,
how the soul becomes an abyss
of nightmares and entrapment.
I know the smell of lifeless blood,
and of ghost breaths still clinging to hope,
the emptiness that comes with accepting
your own demise,
how drugs only make love to vanity
when misfortune befalls.
I know how fruitless is faith
in the face of adversity,
how mindless is the proclivity of
awaiting a divine intervention.


But I'm also aware of the laws of restoration-
the panacea for the liberation
from this concrete world,
of sacred kaleidoscope geometrics of healing,
that lie behind the curtains of chaos and pain.
I have known how to live with intention,
and walk on the edge,
to play with abandon, and
make choices with no regrets.
I know that although with time,
I may descend into nothingness,
aliquots of me shall
be infinitely immortal
within this timeless landscape,
living on,
as pieces within people and places
whom I touched in life.

Author's Note

I wrote this after reading Dostoyevsky's celebrated novel, "The Brothers Karamazov."
But I think this fits in well with the pandemic that we are facing currently. My heart goes out to all the people who have fallen victim to the deadly virus. I'm not a religious person, I won't pray for them, but as a doctor, I am trying my hardest to help them. And I want to urge everyone who reads this to stay home and stay safe.
I don't believe in life after death, I think the world ends for you when you die. But we can honor the memories of our loved ones, and remember them in our hearts, and that makes them somewhat immortal. The essence of a person is not merely his existence, it is that he is capable of connecting to another person, and can make life better for someone else. When we remember the ones who aren't here with us anymore, we honor that part of their being, their ability to still make us feel much happier about life, and to me, that sounds more desirable than being stuck in a purposeless afterlife.

Here is a passage from the novel that I especially like--

“But then, what about the children?” [asked Ivan] “How will we ever account for their sufferings? For the hundredth time I repeat, there are many questions that could be asked, but I ask you only one–about the children–because I believe it conveys fully and clearly what I am trying to tell you. Listen, even if we assume that every person must suffer because his suffering is necessary to pay for eternal harmony, do still tell me, for God’s sake, where the children come in. I can understand the concept of solidarity in sin and also solidarity in retribution. But how can there be solidarity in sin with small children?” …

“I want to dissociate myself from it all; I have no wish to be a part of their eternal harmony. It’s not worth one single tear of the martyred little girl who beat her breast with her tiny fist, shedding her innocent tears… It’s not worth it, because that tear will have remained unatoned for. And those tears must be atoned for; otherwise there can be no harmony. But what could atone for those tears? How it possible to atone for them? By avenging them perhaps? But whom would vengeance help? What good would it do to send the monsters to hell after they have finished inflicting their suffering on children? How can their being in hell put things right? Besides, what sort of harmony can there be as long as there is a hell? To me, harmony means forgiving and embracing everybody, and I don’t want anyone to suffer anymore. … And if I am right, if they cannot forgive, what harmony can there be? Is there one single creature in the whole world who could forgive or would have the right to do so? … It isn’t that I reject God; I am simply returning Him most respectfully the ticket that would entitle me to a seat.”

Also, I don't mean to spark off a debate with anyone. Times like these require us to stick together, and respect others, even those whose views might be different from us, and so I would deeply appreciate it if you don't argue about the difference between your views and mine, and instead just enjoy for the poem.

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

So many gems in this one Moon... this is I think one of your finest! I have just written a poem about much of what you said here and your observances are so consonant to mine it is so striking in the contrast of these stanzas painting it a vivid expression:) This wonderful writing has indeed left a piece of you immortal placed upon my witness!
how drugs only make love to vanity!
and of ghost breaths still clinging to hope!
living on,
as pieces within people and places
that my heart resides in,
sigh
sigh
sigh
lovely!!!!!!!!

[Moonie]

Thank you so much!! I would love to read that poem of yours!

[Robert Trakofler]

oops I think I deleted it:( sorry I honestly cant remember the title anymore LOL I have so many poems on my hard drive:)

[Gaurav]

in a nutshell, nothing is not a sad word...it in itself contains the many universes...in death, people see light only to emerge from the dark to take the first breath..

I am a fan of russian literature..somehow find that some russian writers can beautifully define the subtle nuances of human personality..and your words are the proud moments for their writings..

[Moonie]

Thank you so much for the review! I do love Dostoevsky and Chekhov.

[Gaurav]

yes 'crime and punishment' is one of my favorites

[John Fitzgerald]

I love this -I have to somewhat unashamedly admit! You write with such a beautiful singularity of voice...a voice of power and discern...a voice that can speak for many because it holds truth.
Incredible lines and phrases of pure precision. A favourite being “sacred kaleidoscope geometrics of healing”.
Poetry of the most rarified air and distinction, that certainly embodies the spirit of Dostoyevsky.

Wonderful work!

[Moonie]

Thank you so much for the review! It's such a big compliment to compare my writing to Dostoevsky.

[Moomin]

Very powerful and insightful journey through life's stages and the frustrations and joys it brings. I love the picture you paint of "Liberation from this concrete world."

As someone who obviously appreciates hunanity and our connection to the earth, it must deeply sadden you to see the state of our world today. You mention "laws" but would you not concede that laws require lawmakers? Although I admire sincere scientists, I cannot help but feel that science (or at least our wreckless application of it) and technology have brought us to the brink of destruction. But, unlike you, I have a genuine expectation of restoration. You might be surprised to know that the Bible warned that we would be "Ruining the earth" in our time. But it also assures us that "God will bring to ruin those ruining the earth." Without God, we have no real prospects for the future because we cannot trust in the integrity of politicians and scientists who are prejudiced by glory and commerce.

Great writing.

I wish you peace.

Moomin

[Moonie]

Thank you for the review!
Even if there is a "lawmaker" he's not a omnipotent all-caring sky daddy.
Science hasn't brought us to the brink of destruction, it's helping to cure the people suffering from this pandemic as we speak.

[Moonie]

An omnipotent *

[Moomin]

I just wanted to apologise for part of my previous comment on your poem. I overlooked the part at the end of your writing where you request readers not to debate with you. Sorry this has come a bit late but I have been pre-occupied of late.

I also regret how my comments may have come across, I did not mean that scientists are selfish or are responsible for negative developments in life.I know many unselfish scientists who have made amazing contributions to humanity and our world. My observation was simply about what we can have confidence in for the future. I'm sure you would agree that even the most sincere and dilligent scientitsts are disturbed by the way events are proceeding in our world today.

Please accept my apologies for any offence I may have caused you with my clumsy comments.

May I just share one small bit of information about the concept that you and the person quoted take such offense to, that of "Hell."? Please be assured that fiery torment in Hell is not a Biblical teaching, but a traditional church one. History testifies to this reality.

I wish you peace.

[Patricia Wedel]

I must say that the intricacy of a new born baby as it develops to at last emerge the with the ability to feel and a mind to smile and cry, as well as to grow in reasoning and learning... will not perish, but have everlasting life. This is how I feel, therefor, I am human with choices; therefor , I am. truly, Pat

[Moonie]

Thank you for the review, Pat! ♡

[Relic]

This was and is a great read for this Saturday. I like your author's note and your views. An excellent offering, Moon.

[Moonie]

Thank you so much! I am happy you liked the note!

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared dear friend. You read the classic "The Brothers Karamazov." I read the books of
Dostoyevsky's a long time ago. He is very detail.
"I have known how to live with intention,
and walk on the edge,
to play with abandon, and
make choices with no regrets."
I love the above lines. We must take chances and we must hope. We land in a safe place. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Moonie]

Thank you for the kind review, Coyote!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my dear friend.

[Daydreamer]

Missed my friend! ♥️
Good job

[Moonie]

So good to see you again!

[Moonie]

Welcome back!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

The first law of thermodynamics with or without the transfer of matter still applies. Science has a wonderful way of affirming philosophy, whether it aspires to or not. Aldous Huxley called it "The Perennial Philosophy" and Jung used it to set his "archetypes" but the whole psychology of mankind is attuned to something far greater than itself; a primordial seed, neither left behind, forgotten or scattered... but planted.

[Moonie]

Thank you for the insightful review!

[h d e rushin]

the ancients thought that the moon, each night, was replaced by another moon. (selenology) They were wrong, of course, but not because the earth was flat and that it had no tilt. They were just misinformed. Sometimes we are born with our hatred congenital to our being like an instinct. Education is what confiscates mistruth. You write poetry with such passion. And if you took the temperature of every poet in the world you would find out overwhelmingly, that they are all passionate......great poem.. dana

[Moonie]

I'm glad you liked this, Dana! Thanks for the review. ♡
The greatest thing about science is that it accepts when it's wrong, doesn't assume things without evidence, and doesn't discriminate!

[Pete]

deeply felt. accepting our own mortality or that of others is not an easy thing. it raises many questions though my faith has answers. a very introspective write

my muse wrote -
"Death is beautiful when seen to be a law, and not an accident. It is as common as life." - Thoreau

with faith, hope, love and a soul intact we are armed with everything we need for this life and the next.

much appreciated write. love the title. thank you for sharing ... :)

[Moonie]

Thank you for the gracious review!