~ Standing free in one’s own space, opening outward to all possibilities, entrapped by none of them, feeling the universal flow of the essence of each. We are all beams of light, shot through the universe, seeking not conclusion, but rather, the energy of flow. As often is said — it isn’t the destination, it is the journey. ~
Seek not the pompous
swelled with false confidence
dispensing the formulas of bliss
condemning you as the un-visioned
while fleecing you of your hard begotten
follow not the kings and queens of mammon
who worship the bottom line
desiring the upper hand
who would despoil the world and all it offers
as their playground of gratification
suffer not the priests and priestesses
who would say that only they have heard
and in so saying would dictate your thoughts
and direct your deeds
to conform to this truth of the god in their pocket
do not be cowered by the iron hand
of the bullet-brained who march in step
to crush under boot the will of any who will not queue
into the line that they have deemed
leads to the only way that life must be
do not be swayed by those who — “know”…
possessed of absolutely no uncertainty
knowing sure that what they know is what is
and in their infallible knowledge
know that what they know
is
was
and will ever be
resist demands
shun peer pressures
follow neither this singular voice
for I am not the source
not the be all
I too am but a searcher
instead — free your mind
gather with those who do not “know”
find the curious and the uncertain
those still filled with wonder
drawn to unfolding discovery
who embrace the constancy of learning
change
and growth
always stepping onward
but stepping lightly
alert to lift
and re-step
enlightened
it is they who will traverse this evolving world
this ever expanding universe of possibility
fashioning it as a fair
brighter
and better place
*
rob kistner © 2022
EDUCATION = COOPERATION <<~>> DOMINATION = ANNIHILATION
More poetry at: dVerse
More poetry at: Poets & Storytellers
sadly, the prevailing thinking of today’s world is imploding into negativity & darkness
This is such a deeply satisfying poem, Rob! Wow! I especially love; “do not be swayed by those who know
possessed of absolutely no uncertainty knowing sure that what they know is what is and in their infallible knowledge
know that what they know is was and will ever be.” Thank you so much for writing to the prompt 😀
Thank you Sanaa, very much. Standing free in one’s own space, opening outward to all possibilities, entrapped by none of them, feeling the universal flow of the essence of each. We are all beams of light, shot through the universe, seeking not conclusion, but rather, the flow. As often is said — it isn’t the destination, it is the journey.
Overall, a many-faceted poem.
A cautionary rant Tzvi…
This has a direct link to competition and business in the modern world. Great write as always, Rob! Enjoyed the narrative!
Hank
Yes it does Hank. I have had people, from groups such as I describe, “explain” to me that, without the greedy power machines that manipulate and parasitically exploit our business, research, and sciences — all these wonderful advancements of our modern world, would not have occurred or evolved. They claim the competitive drive of the human species is our strength. I do not agree completely. I think our innate sense of curiosity, of wonder, of desire to solve puzzles and find solutions — this is the strength of the human species that has driven the upward evolution of our abilities in the full broad range of arts and sciences. I believe the competitive element is a catch 22 for humanity, when overlaid with one of our biggest weaknesses — our greed… which begets war, class systems, racism, corrupt business practices, hoarding, and destructive economic domination. We would not have advanced so quickly, had it not been for the distortion of the primitive element of exploitation and dominance that began, originally in the very first days of human evolution, as a then necessary component of the “survival of the fittest”. This hungry, physical drive to dominate and confiscate, was embraced by early humans, at the fatal disregard and ultimate withering of our understanding of the critical need to educate and cooperate. Power over knowledge was the quicker easier path — and it is pointing to the reason for the next mass extinction on this planet. It will be the extinction of the human species — as we know it now. This need for dominance and acceleration over understanding and balance is driving the ravaging and fatal pollution of the resources of this earth, and the ravaging of each other and the pollution of our thinking. It won’t continue like this simply because it can’t. The only core reason humankind may have a hope of continuing, is if knowledge, wisdom, understanding and the elevation of the concept of balance outlasts this disease of greed and exploitation. Call me a cynic, but that’s alright. We are killing our sense of wonder, our desire to explore for the sake of elevating shared knowledge, not exploration for the sake of gaining the upper hand, so that small groups can hoard and thrive — at the sake of the species. Sounds like some kind of pollyanna nirvana to so many because most of us don’t know any better — and that is because the workings of early religion and governmental structures did not want the many to “know” what their few knew. And so it became the distorted, and increasingly deadly path to the present. Peer pressure is at the heart of the suppression of curiosity and knowledge, and is driven by fear to cooperate, and the need to dominate… in other words — need to control. Not until, or only if the human species learns the power of “balance and cooperation”, will out species, turn the corner towards long term viability. We ain’t there yet, and I don’t see evidence of any significant pending course change in that direction. I could be wrong, and I hope the fuck I am. But likely only mass anarchy and near extinction may set us in the right direction. Incidentally, this is only my humble opinion, and I am willing to be wrong? 🙂
Such a wonderful message with:
gather with those who do not “know”
find the curious and the uncertain
those still filled with wonder
drawn to unfolding discovery
who embrace the constancy of learning
change
and growth
Thsnk you Grace… 🙂 I hope this particular group survives and expands to flourish.
Well expressed!
Thank you Carol… 🙂
“gather with those who do not “know”
find the curious and the uncertain
those still filled with wonder
drawn to unfolding discovery
who embrace the constancy of learning
change
and growth”…that is such a sane and wise advice, Rob. The “know-alls” should be shunned.
Thank you Punam… 🙂
Indeed, there are many kinds of tyranny. Freedom of the mind is vital.
It is essential Rosemary…
luv that “stepping forward lightly”
have a good weekend Rob
much love…
Thank you Gillena, much love to you my friend… 🙂
the idea of following the curious and uncertain is an excellent alternative to blind faith in peers. well said
In the first circumstance Sean, one may actually learn something…
Our minds certainly can be in bondage. I enjoyed these lines Rob. I really stopped by to check on you. We have missed you at the Muse. I hope all is okay with you and yours.
Thank you Carrie! 🙂 I did my best to soldier on through quite a rough Spring, which greatly impacted my normal everyday writing schedule. I experienced a near-fatal setback in my ongoing CHF (congestive heart failure) in March, as my lungs and my heart cavity began filling with water, and my heart efficiency fell under 25%. I struggled with severely impaired breathing, which necessitated a Torsemide-induced, 40-pound water weight expulsion, followed in May by an Echocardiogram, a Nuclear Cardio Stress Test, which lead to my 4th Angioplasty operation, including the insertion of 2 more stents in my heart (my 4th & 5th). I’d just begun cardio rehab in June, starting to feel better, starting to breath more normally, when I started having trouble breathing again. Developed a hacking cough, sore throat, and a fever. I went back down again — hard. I was diagnosed with COVID. That lead to bed rest again, and a multi-day, 30-pill Paxlovid regimen (the newly released COVID Cocktail), for which my age and health qualified me. I have been in isolated quarantine now for 10 days. Finally my symptoms seem to be abating, and I’m starting to feel a bit better once again. Hoping for a negative COVID test Monday, so I can leave quarantine, and resume my Cardio Rehab the following week. Aren’t you glad you asked my friend 😉 …
I have done my best to write when I could through the Spring, resorting most often to pulling up archived, near-completed drafts, that required minimal editing, to polish them to publish. I plan to return to full time from-scratch writing again next week.
so powerful
thank you for writing this, and believing it, encouraging real strength of conscience.
You are welcome LA. It is absolutely how I do my best to conduct my life. Not always perfect, but always reaching.
The curious have always been the best company, at least in my opinion.
Curiosity is what advances the human species Rommy.