Feb

The Leaden-Eyed By: ~ Vachel Lindsay

Maybe one of the most difficult aspects of human existence is maintaining vigilance. It is difficult to continue to strive, to spawn upstream to points unknown. Not only that, but the sedatives really feel good! The tuning out, the drinking, the sports….me likey. Unfortunately, it is an inauthentic existence – - it is the default setting. The other challenge is that the sedatives keep you from being pissed off, and it is that righteous indignation that will be the fuel cell for continued pursuits.

The following poem does about as good of a job as I have seen to capture the perils of losing oneself:

“Let not young souls be smothered out before
They do quaint deeds and fully flaunt their pride.
It is the world’s one crime its babes grow dull,
Its poor are ox-like, limp and leaden-eyed.
Not that they starve, but starve so dreamlessly,
Not that they sow, but that they seldom reap,
Not that they serve, but have no gods to serve,
Not that they die, but that they die like sheep.”

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