avatarMark Tulin

Summary

The web content titled "Signs from Within" reflects on the internalization of various rules, commandments, and signs that guide one's life, from societal laws to personal intuitions, as well as the influence of cultural and religious teachings.

Abstract

The article "Signs from Within" delves into the personal and societal rules that unconsciously direct an individual's actions and decisions. It poetically describes how these guidelines, ranging from the commandments given to Moses by God to the more mundane advice like "look both ways," collectively shape one's journey through life. The author, Mark Tulin, acknowledges the diverse sources of these guiding principles, including heartfelt restrictions, love songs by Lennon and McCartney, and even long-distance telephone calls. The piece suggests that these signs are not only external dictates but also internal compasses that help navigate the complexities of life, urging caution and compassion while warning against straying from the chosen path.

Opinions

  • The author believes in the existence of unconscious guideposts instilled by the world, which serve as a personal moral compass.
  • There is an acknowledgment of the variety of sources that contribute to one's internal rules, including religious commandments, societal laws, and even pop culture references like songs by The Beatles.
  • The text conveys a sense of caution and respect for established norms, such as being kind to one's mother and showing compassion to the poor.
  • Intuition and premonitions are regarded as valuable signs to be followed, suggesting a belief in the importance of trusting one's gut feelings.
  • The author expresses gratitude to Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 for her poetry prompt, indicating a collaborative and community-driven approach to writing.
  • The inclusion of links to other works by Mark Tulin implies a self-reflective and therapeutic role of writing in interpreting and understanding life's rules.

Signs from Within

Handed down from God to Moses

Signs. Photo by Mark Tulin

There are signs within me, rules on how to live, I harbor unconsciously, guideposts on my journey, the world instilled in me

There are edicts and verdicts, laws passed down from Congress, heart-felt restrictions, warnings, and obligations to circumvent and abide

There are commandments handed down from God to Moses, Lennon and McCartney love songs, messages received through hardships and long-distance telephone calls

Every day, I walk with caution, look both ways, not stepping on cracks, receive strange vibes from the shady types — follow intuitions, premonitions, and fear’s prescriptions

Don’t touch the fire, talk nice to your mother, cross yourself at the sacred altar, be compassionate to the poor, keep clear from harm’s way, and don’t stray from the chosen path.

© 2021 Mark Tulin

Many thanks to Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) for her poetry prompt “Interpretation of Rules.”

Here are two more by Mark Tulin —

Poetry Prompt
Rules
Journey
Relationships
Society
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