Ascetics (in the broadest sense), in spite of attempting to deny themselves the benefits of rationality, must nibble from its abundance to avoid earthly perils.
The table of rationality is daily filling With cornucopias of richest supply. Logical delights from basket spilling For those inclined to ask why.
But some there are who must — Forced by cruel reality to partake, Though with ill-hidden disgust, Distrust consumption’s wake.
These are the armies of ascetics, Marching in religion’s corps. Nibble — fear of being heretics. Fast — ‘til starved to eat more.
Their faith defined as irrational. If rational, it wouldn’t be faith But a journey educational And not ever this holy wraith.
Ascetic sips near zero doses, ‘Til body and spirit nearly breaks. This, certain hard fact imposes, Modicum of rationality makes.
Will, with all available energy, Attempt from rationality to fly. But to remain on earth, you see, For them also the rules apply.
Storm comes with flash and glow, All seek shelter when rain’s in view, Winds menace, blast and blow, But prayer’s only fruit is deja vu.
From rationality ascetics ate, Built shelter before the storm, Else they’d’ve met their fate, ‘Fore donning faith as norm.
Yep..Its a fine line between genius and insanity...its all a question of balance and proportion Leland
How far are we prepared to go down the rabbit warren to find the ephemeral truth
Classy and intelligent write
Peter
Why would we have been given our senses if not to enjoy them? Those who deny themselves never learn to love anyone else for they depise them for being happy.
a rational approach to life is admirable and it sometimes seems there's no reason at all in this mad world. A cold rational approach, that kind of attitude that makes the smile die on your face and the open heart wither, well, I can do without that, but
the rational, impartial, calm and sympathetic mature mind is another matter. That's something we all should aim for.... detatchment and impartiality, but a sense of humour and spontanteity, too, or else we end up like Spock from Star trek: illogical, Captain! Faith is different from dogmatic religion. We need believe in ourselves, and rebels are sometimes necessary to derail society's tramlines, far too many dumb conformists and bloodthirsty people sheltering under the umbrella of their religion... they need a good sesssion of laurel and hardy films to see the funny side of life. Here, I'm going on a bit. This theme has struck a chord with me, as illogicality and misunderstanding is ever present everywhere....
Leland this most brilliant piece will be saved in my library and read and re-read over and over again. I too love this piece. It hits home as I struggle with religion and lean more daily toward spirituality. It has become a better fit for me. Thanks for sharing this philosophical poem. Peace, love, and blessings to you and yours. From your Arkie friend. Mikii
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on February 7, 2006
I may be all wet here with my take, but I don't feel you are speaking of the physical act of consumption, rather the spiritual act, so here is how I answer you. If I am wrong in my interpretation, spit 'n my eye. LOL
"If rational, it wouldn’t be faith" Haha! Gotta love it. I maintain that you are a brilliant (really? yes) man who can turn dry logic into readable and profound poetry, which in itself is unllgical, but f**k that, you do it. Still, it is your evermore forward attack, (maybe the wrong word) on religion, per se. Look, Leland, I quite understand your reasoning, but I maintain, one more time, that even if it is a lot of hogwash, it is needed, and if the idea of ascetics had not been conceived, we would have had to, out of hunanities' sake, invented it. Mankind NEEDS guidance to keep it from imploding. Granted it can be taken to the extreme, look what is happening today. Look what HAS happened in the name of religion. I understand all of that and still speak for, and of, and with one man, one God.
Sparklingly original in concept and presentation. The title becomes almost an oxymoron as you lead us through your daring and successful dance of rhymes. You are one of those rare poets who can successfully couple philosophy and poetry. A delight to read and ponder, and to ponder and read.
CJ
My brilliant friend, I'm not sure if I'm grasping the full sense and intent of the message within this writing, but it strikes me as an appeal to moderation. Ascetics can be, in my humble comprehension, as irrational as the "gluttonous", when both, placing themselves at apparently opposed extremes, actually meet at a blind point - that of a loss of perspective regarding the "supplies", their essence and their purpose. It's hard to believe it is actually possible to be rational both from a standpoint of "starvation" and from that of "indigestion", whatever the plane - physical, intellectual, even the one defined as spiritual. So, from a "moderate" perspective, my sense is that it may be wise and cleansing to "fast" once in a while, but never to starvation, as well as to imbibe "nutrition", but never to "piggishness". Or using the wisdom of a La Fontaine fable... let us not always be the ant, and not always be the ciccada. ;0)
Thank you for one more thought-promoter, dearest Leland, with {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} and love.
Alexandra*
This book summarizes life's ten toughest tests with ten passwords each to pass these tests. The current overload, speed of change and chaos are all summarized well enough to get to the Land of Simple on the other side quicker than usual.
Share
Print
Save
Follow
Regis
Ron
How far are we prepared to go down the rabbit warren to find the ephemeral truth
Classy and intelligent write
Peter
"Rational Ascetics" flows through its own wise lines
leaving an aroma of art and science.
I salute You, Poet!
In reverent admiration,
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
Love Tinka
Love & Light,
Joseph
the rational, impartial, calm and sympathetic mature mind is another matter. That's something we all should aim for.... detatchment and impartiality, but a sense of humour and spontanteity, too, or else we end up like Spock from Star trek: illogical, Captain! Faith is different from dogmatic religion. We need believe in ourselves, and rebels are sometimes necessary to derail society's tramlines, far too many dumb conformists and bloodthirsty people sheltering under the umbrella of their religion... they need a good sesssion of laurel and hardy films to see the funny side of life. Here, I'm going on a bit. This theme has struck a chord with me, as illogicality and misunderstanding is ever present everywhere....
"If rational, it wouldn’t be faith" Haha! Gotta love it. I maintain that you are a brilliant (really? yes) man who can turn dry logic into readable and profound poetry, which in itself is unllgical, but f**k that, you do it. Still, it is your evermore forward attack, (maybe the wrong word) on religion, per se. Look, Leland, I quite understand your reasoning, but I maintain, one more time, that even if it is a lot of hogwash, it is needed, and if the idea of ascetics had not been conceived, we would have had to, out of hunanities' sake, invented it. Mankind NEEDS guidance to keep it from imploding. Granted it can be taken to the extreme, look what is happening today. Look what HAS happened in the name of religion. I understand all of that and still speak for, and of, and with one man, one God.
CJ
Thank you for one more thought-promoter, dearest Leland, with {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} and love.
Alexandra*