avatarCarolyn F. Chryst, Ph.D.

Summary

The text reflects on the significance of choices and their consequential impact on life's narrative, suggesting that the manner in which we react to these consequences shapes our identity.

Abstract

The poem "A Wink and a Nod to the Bard" delves into the philosophical dilemma of decision-making, echoing Shakespeare's famous soliloquy. It posits that every choice is fraught with potential for both reward and pain, and these outcomes sculpt one's life story. The author, CFChryst, emphasizes the importance of choosing a path that leads to fulfillment without regret, highlighting the personal responsibility inherent in our choices. The poem concludes by suggesting that the true challenge lies in embracing the outcomes of our decisions with resilience and acceptance, ensuring that we remain true to ourselves.

Opinions

  • Choices are presented as unavoidable and constant, offering a variety of outcomes that define our existence.
  • The pursuit of rewards is often accompanied by pain, but also by moments of glory, all of which contribute to our life story.
  • The poem suggests that the true measure of a choice is not in its immediate outcome but in how we handle the resulting "mantle of consequences."
  • The author muses on the tendency to dwell on paths not taken, advising against succumbing to regret for what "coulda, shoulda been."
  • The poem encourages a mindful approach to life, appreciating the present moment and the choices that have led to it, as indicated by the anticipation of "Day 8: Delight in the moment."

Poems Choices Consequences

A Wink and a Nod to the Bard

Choice offers reward or consequences

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

to chose or not to chose

is always the question

this or that or the other thing

define a pathway to being

rewards come

shaded in pain

illuminated in glory

shape a life story

the choice then is only how we react

to the mantle of consequences

the question which pathway, which story

which life, which choice

will leave us intact

not shredded parts of who I coulda,

shoulda been.

CFChryst

April 2021

New Berlin NY

two coffees in…

Next to come: Day 8: Delight in the moment

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