Bjorn is hosting the dVerse today. He was inspired by the “ he book of Questions” by Pablo Neruda, to give us a prompt to write poems consisting only of questions. We should leave the answer to the reader. We can write a poem consisting of a single question or many. We can fill our questions with meaning or we can make them abstract. They can be closed or open questions.
I must admit that it’s an interesting prompt as our minds are constantly filled with questions while writing. Here’s my take at the prompt. I’ll soon come back with another one on this 🙂
Can you discern the anguish of a caged bird?
Will we ever liberate ourselves to be a free bird?
What made Socrates believe in his beliefs?
Will we ever comprehend to trust ourselves?
What orchestrated Helen Keller’s victory over disabilities?
Will we ever acknowledge the vigor of hope and optimism?
What made Nelson Mandela confront the unjust?
Will we ever raise our voice against prejudice in this world?
Why did Mother Teresa devote herself to service?
Will we ever perceive benevolence as God’s love?
What preserved Gandhi’s faith in non-violence?
Will we ever deem perseverance catalyst for success?
What made young Malala fight for human rights?
Will we ever be intrepid to stand for ourselves?
I like the sense of looking at those beacons to guide us in our own development… The first two questions made me think of Maya Angelou’s poem…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZzOxWAxde0
Maya Angelou’s “Caged bird” is certainly a masterpiece. Although I didn’t realise that unintentionally I used the essence of her poem. Free flying birds have always fascinated me. Thanks for your words. You gave a wonderful prompt. Another one from me in on its way 🙂
Such an interesting prompt. Your verses pose such profound questions. Well done Vandana!
Thanks dear Radhika. Some lessons to learn form great leaders to smoothen our ride.
“Will we ever acknowledge the vigor of hope and optimism?”
What a great question! We definitely should.
I love that you put Helen Keller and Socrates in a poem together. 🙂
Yes, we certainly should. I love your words of appreciation. Thanks
I liked the question about Socrates. It made me suspect that his beliefs came first and then the reasons justifying them came second, but that doesn’t explain where the beliefs came from in the first place.
I guess beliefs and justifications go hand in hand. Sometimes reasons give birth to beliefs and at other times we have a belief which we try and justify.
It is a noble thing to contemplate what motivated the world’s greatest. As a believer, I see that each of them was moved by saying yes to God.
That’s a great observation. No one can reach such heights and be as determined without God’s loving support. So yes, belief is God us essential to realize our potential as well as our goals! Thanks for reflecting back.
… and we look to these examples for guidance, for hope, for courage, for foresight, and encouragement to step up when our time comes. Great write!
Yes we do and we must. Life jolts us many a times and we must take learning from experiences of great leaders. I appreciate your kind words. Thanks.
Love that Socrates question!
Thanks Sara! We must learn to believe ourselves before expecting others to believe us, isn’t it?
In this moment of my life, your question about acknowledging the importance of hope and optimism struck a chord. Sometimes in the circumstances of life, it is all we are left with that can uplift the spirit. <3
Yes, hope and optimism help us sail through tough times. Everyone’s life has ups and downs..The difference is only about our attitude, about how we face the challenges and hope and optimism certainly make our journey easier. I hope your phase will also pass through soon. Have a great weekend!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend also. 🙂