Destiny

Summary

The poem "Destiny" by Jonathan Greene explores the complex and often paradoxical nature of destiny as both a guiding force and an unpredictable element in life.

Abstract

"Destiny" delves into the philosophical concept of destiny, presenting it as a dual-edged sword that can bring both joy and sorrow. The poem reflects on how destiny is perceived as a benevolent force when life aligns with our hopes and dreams, yet it can swiftly become a source of betrayal when circumstances take an adverse turn. The author grapples with the idea of a predetermined future, questioning whether destiny is an active participant in our lives or merely an excuse for the hand we are dealt. Through personal anecdotes, such as the shocking news of his mother's illness at the age of 18, Greene illustrates the profound impact of destiny's unforeseen events and ponders the possibility of understanding or influencing one's destiny.

Opinions

Destiny is seen as both a friend and a betrayer, bringing happiness when life is favorable but also responsible for unexpected suffering and loss.
The poem suggests that destiny may not always lead to grand achievements but can also result in a mundane, unfulfilling existence, likened to a "couch potato."
There is a sense of frustration and confusion about the unpredictability of destiny and the lack of control or foreknowledge one has over it.
The author acknowledges that some aspects of destiny are deeply personal and can profoundly affect an individual's life, such as the illness of a loved one.
The poem implies that perhaps overthinking destiny is counterproductive, and acceptance of its mysteries might be a more peaceful approach to life.

A Poem

It’s hard to square myself with destiny as a concept as if necessarily happen meant for me to suffer loss after loss in life only to react by saying that it was my destiny

Destiny is our friend when things go right and we are where we always wanted to be until we are not and then destiny is a fool-hearted, back-stabbing lover who left us, in the middle of the night, while we slept with one foot outside of the covers

Destiny as a concept is quite a unique one Our future predetermined as we row this rowboat on this calm pond that we call life and wonder where the buried treasures are and wait for them to be unearthed and in our favor but sometimes it’s sad to learn, I guess, that our destiny is flaccid a couch potato surfing for another show to make another day go slower than slow

I wouldn’t mind destiny if I actually understood it or had some concept of how the rest of my life might play out, if and only if, I stop thinking about it You know, destiny, the thing we can’t avoid but also have no forewarning about in any way until it’s too late and we are sitting down at lunch, at 18 years old, to listen to our mom tells us that she is dying and I guess that part wasn’t a we thing but a me thing but sometimes I guess it’s just part of my destiny

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