What Was It All For?

Summary

The poem reflects on the existential questioning brought about by the pandemic, challenging the purpose of professional achievements and material pursuits in the face of life's fragility and the value of human connection.

Abstract

The poem "What Was It All For?" delves into the collective introspection prompted by the isolation of a pandemic. It questions the significance of work-centric lifestyles, advanced degrees, and professional titles when faced with sudden job loss and a shift to remote work. The narrative ponders over the sacrifices made for career advancement and the realization that true necessity lies in relationships rather than material possessions or career accolades. It suggests that the pandemic has revealed the superfluity of many societal demands, leading to a moment of reckoning where individuals must reassess their life choices and priorities. The poem concludes by proposing that this period of reflection offers an opportunity to understand the true essence of what matters in life, urging readers to consider the ultimate purpose behind their actions.

Opinions

The author expresses skepticism about the value of professional success and work culture, indicating that the pandemic has rendered many of these achievements irrelevant.
There is a sense of regret for the time spent away from family and personal life due to work commitments, with the pandemic highlighting the importance of close relationships.
The poem criticizes the endless pursuit of 'more' – be it promotions, material goods, or professional accolades – as meaningless in the current context.
It implies that society's pre-pandemic focus on productivity and constant activity has been misplaced, as the enforced stillness of lockdown has revealed that many pursuits were unnecessary.
The author suggests that the pandemic has brought about a philosophical shift, prompting individuals to question the foundations and goals of their lives.
The poem ends on a contemplative note, encouraging individuals to find clarity in their purpose by re-evaluating past choices and considering what is genuinely important.

A Poem

Time is standing still as we lurch forward each day Every step forward is really a step back because after all this time in isolation we just realized we’ve been walking in a circle The start is the finish and the rules are no longer We have no instruction manual to tell us how to do this and even through all the uplifting messages some of us are openly wondering, what was it all for?

What was this advanced degree for when a pandemic causes a layoff? What were those 75-hour workweeks for when we can be just as productive from home and via teleconferencing in our pajamas? What was all that hustle and grind for when now we are just dust waiting to get blown away?

The plaques on our walls and our business titles Our followers on social and our Internet badges The nights we stayed at work as our family ate The mornings we left early because we “had” to The lunches we missed because we needed to bill The gatherings we attended while texting about work What was it all for?

Stuck inside, looking out windows onto vacant streets Look where it all got us, nowhere and here at the same time No mentions in the news or past recognition can help us now as we stare into the void and the void stares back No special privileges or favors can get the job done when droplets of wet air become the ones in charge and we look around at the ephemera of our lives just to realize we’ve always had everything we need

We didn’t need that car or that promotion We didn’t need the lead funnel or another Facebook ad We didn’t need much of anything other than family, other than those closest to us, who are now far from us struggling to figure out the way out of this maze as we all sit, perplexed and angry because there is no exit

What was it all for if we can’t make it out of this? What was it all for if we gave up so much to end up here? The nights away from our kids, the missed opportunities The focus on our career as a way to prove something The concept of more and more and more and more when now there isn’t even enough more to go around

Maybe it was all for this moment, the choices we made and the choices we will make as we navigate out of this Maybe we had it right and maybe we had it wrong, but either way, this is the time to get to the truth by asking ourselves one simple question, above all others: What was it all for?

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