Introspection: A Case Study

His light sputtered out long before he did.

Another restless soul adrift in the clouds

in the madding din, a thousand miles away from

the silence of the heart – and the truths that lie within.

Did he not know . . . or did he never dare –

to look and listen thoughtfully, and question deeply and with care.

For somewhere in the pursuit of happiness and the single-minded

quest of “getting” – he bet his life, he’d win the toss.

It never dawned on the guy . . . that he’d actually lost.

For he’d done a fine job of self-deception,

in the world he created without introspection.

And though, others had a lightness of spirit, he felt that he might lack –

there wasn’t any point, he thought,  in thinking about all that.

note:  The prompt this week at Poetry Jam is “Your One Word for 2015”.  My one word is:  Introspection.  I have seen people with terrific problems turn themselves around and go on to live lives that enrich others.  I have seen people age with grace and dignity, while others become embittered and miserable.  I believe that introspection is the key to becoming and/or remaining the kind of person you want to be.  Introspective people see their lives with clarity and honesty.  They set realistic goals and strive to do their best.  People lacking in introspection live in the moment.  They see themselves as central to their every interaction and do not hold themselves to a higher standard.  They simply do not take ownership and responsibility for what is going on around them and their role in it.  They just react.  Introspection can heal.  And Introspective people make the world a better place.

photos:  High Above the Clouds We Fly – P. Bourke

© 2015 Wendy Bourke