Headstall's Reflections - 62. Chapter 62 Empty Ruins and Chores

juxtaposition is right ...  i like them both ... but the first has the louder voice

11 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

juxtaposition is right ...  i like them both ... but the first has the louder voice

I like them both too, it’s been my observation that the quiet voice is heard over the louder one, if that makes any sense.

Day 2 is the answer to Day 1.

1 minute ago, FanLit said:

I like them both too, it’s been my observation that the quiet voice is heard over the louder one, if that makes any sense.

Day 2 is the answer to Day 1.

It's true what you say about 2 answering 1 ... my comment about the first speaking to me, is my poetic voice, the first speaks to me more as a poet.  But you are very right, that having something to do, a reason to get up is very important, especially if you're trying to cope with things generally.  While i often moan about duties, i am also often thankful for them.

24 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

It's true what you say about 2 answering 1 ... my comment about the first speaking to me, is my poetic voice, the first speaks to me more as a poet.  But you are very right, that having something to do, a reason to get up is very important, especially if you're trying to cope with things generally.  While i often moan about duties, i am also often thankful for them.

3 hours ago, Mikiesboy said:

juxtaposition is right ...  i like them both ... but the first has the louder voice

Thanks, tim. I think it does too. And, yes, juxtaposed, they balance each other somewhat. Cheers... Gary....

3 hours ago, FanLit said:

I like them both too, it’s been my observation that the quiet voice is heard over the louder one, if that makes any sense.

Day 2 is the answer to Day 1.

Thanks, FanLit. Yes, it does make sense. Even so different as they are, there is a continuity which I hope makes the pair stronger. Cheers, my platonic friend  ... Gary....

2 hours ago, Mikiesboy said:

It's true what you say about 2 answering 1 ... my comment about the first speaking to me, is my poetic voice, the first speaks to me more as a poet.  But you are very right, that having something to do, a reason to get up is very important, especially if you're trying to cope with things generally.  While i often moan about duties, i am also often thankful for them.

Exactly. Thanks again, tim. 

2 hours ago, FanLit said:

1 minute ago, Valkyrie said:

Both of these speak to me.  Animals have a way of giving us purpose.  One of my favorite times at the barn was feeding time, especially at the end of the day.  Listening to the horses chew, content with their piles of hay, after a hard's day work, is so satisfying and mesmerizing. The second is a nice counterpoint to the first, the answer to the question you were asking.   

Thanks, Val! I knew you would get the serenity given by the sound of a horse happily munching away. Even the damn cats have me trained, but my mare is still queen. I don't think I would have posted Empty Ruins if I had not written Chores. If we wait long enough, answers will come.   

30 minutes ago, Headstall said:

If we wait long enough, answers will come.   

That damned waiting. Oy vay  😳

The waiting is a lesson in and of itself, in addition to the answer you’re waiting for, sometimes it’s harder.

3 minutes ago, FanLit said:

That damned waiting. Oy vay  😳

The waiting is a lesson in and of itself, in addition to the answer you’re waiting for, sometimes it’s harder.

Oy vay! LOL . Waiting, or rather, surviving until things get better, is hell, but what can we do. I find strength is all the little blessings when the big picture isn't good.  

19 minutes ago, Bucket1 said:

I'm thinking that 'Ruins' can be taken as a metaphor for our search for Purpose in life more than anything else--in all the centuries we've searched, we come up empty-handed, especially in the dogmas of organized religions which seek to chain our minds into time-worn channels that lead us to be subservient to others' wills rather than use our own resources.

I'm taken with some of the concepts of Eastern philosophies, but am not one to stare at my navel days on end...finding oneself in that way is a path, but to what?  Dissatisfaction with ourselves trying to determine the Path to Perfection.  Perfection is a sterile and cold reality--we give up the Physical World for a Mental Plane of solitude.

In the second poem, I think you answered the question of 'Why?'.  The purpose of Life is to live it, savor it with your physical and mental senses--and to try to make it better in whatever way you can.  Helping others, caring for them be they human or animal...gives most of us a satisfaction beyond price.  No wondering what divides you from others, just the desire to help where you can as you can.  The Deed itself is the Goal, not some sense of obligation to a Deity that has most likely set things in motion and then gone off to start over again...or read the comics.

Life is simple if you heed your grandma's words to 'Play nice!'  Be a friend, a support, and it'll all settle into place in your head and heart....

"And that's the way it is..." to quote Walter Cronkite's close to the nightly news years back.

On 5/21/2018 at 10:15 PM, ColumbusGuy said:

I'm thinking that 'Ruins' can be taken as a metaphor for our search for Purpose in life more than anything else--in all the centuries we've searched, we come up empty-handed, especially in the dogmas of organized religions which seek to chain our minds into time-worn channels that lead us to be subservient to others' wills rather than use our own resources.

I'm taken with some of the concepts of Eastern philosophies, but am not one to stare at my navel days on end...finding oneself in that way is a path, but to what?  Dissatisfaction with ourselves trying to determine the Path to Perfection.  Perfection is a sterile and cold reality--we give up the Physical World for a Mental Plane of solitude.

In the second poem, I think you answered the question of 'Why?'.  The purpose of Life is to live it, savor it with your physical and mental senses--and to try to make it better in whatever way you can.  Helping others, caring for them be they human or animal...gives most of us a satisfaction beyond price.  No wondering what divides you from others, just the desire to help where you can as you can.  The Deed itself is the Goal, not some sense of obligation to a Deity that has most likely set things in motion and then gone off to start over again...or read the comics.

Life is simple if you heed your grandma's words to 'Play nice!'  Be a friend, a support, and it'll all settle into place in your head and heart....

"And that's the way it is..." to quote Walter Cronkite's close to the nightly news years back.

You know, something occurred to me while reading this incredible comment. I have a lot of built up resentment for religion, and I take my swipes at it when I can. My mother devoted a part of her life to it, and was in the end, punished. It has never helped me or my family... so yeah, it is a metaphor.  

I find religion as empty as those ruins in my head... when I can find no answers there. Yet, I am spiritual... it is tied to the earth and nature, and yes, I will pray to something upon occasion. It is not so much a human response as it is a need to believe in something bigger than us, IMO. The fact is, some days I am not at my best... I feel lost... but I've learned if I wait long enough, my uncertainties get taken care of. Maybe it's a visit from a kid, a phonecall from a friend, an accomplishment... or a horse whinnying for her breakfast. 

Sorry it took so long to find this comment, CG. You always get me, and that is a great comfort true friends give. I do not take it for granted. Cheers, dearest friend... G-Man.... xoxoxoxo

Both beautiful and valid in their own right . The last two lines of each are in stark dichotomy to each other , but strangely complimentary . 

17 minutes ago, deville said:

Both beautiful and valid in their own right . The last two lines of each are in stark dichotomy to each other , but strangely complimentary . 

Thank you, deville. I agree with your assessment about the final lines of each... I'm pleased you see what you do. I put these poems together for a reason... life is fluid, and so are moods... these are continuation of Melancholia, which you commented on last night. When I feel lost among those ruins, I make an effort to find some focus, and that can be as simple as performing my daily routine. Any purpose, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can lift me/us up. Life is meant to be enjoyed, but it comes with weight, so yes, like you say, both poems are valid. I appreciate you visiting these and commenting, my friend. Poetry is an incredible release for me, and it's rewarding when others find something in it. Cheers... Gary....