Upward Reaching


I had a request to post more poems, so here’s an interesting one.

Upward Reaching

The soul of man, to what end is it striving?
What is the destiny, what is the goal?
This constant upward reaching of the soul–
What force behind it does the ceaseless driving?


Upward reaching but implies a quest
Unending, for the things we deem the best,
For that which goes to make the perfect whole–
Insatiable striving for a better role.

With what speed, then, is man’s success arriving?
Endowed with instincts meant to goad him on
Toward the infinite, from dawn to dawn,
From his struggle, how much good deriving?


Man’s speed, or progress, toward that holier sphere,
Is measured through the knowledge he gains here,
And man will go on reaching endlessly;
There is no terminal–no finality.

-Amelia Peart Macdonald

What do you think of this one?

Thoughts, comments, feelings?

 

Again, please make sure to enter your info above and press Submit.
shawn:

View Comments (6)

  • I am personally fascinated by this particular line of thought, the upward reach of man that drives him onward to higher pursuits, nobler purposes and more meaningful endeavors. This compulsion finds its expression in every one of us whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not. Even those who claim absolute indifference know they are fighting a very real compulsion that can not be denied indefinitely.

  • Hello Shawn,
    I guess it is instilled in us from birth to do the best we can and to be the best we can be. Every thing we are taught by our parents, teachers and even our friends is to strive to be better in whatever our hopes and dreams are to be. Competitions teaches us to excel in sports. When we apply for a job we need to show we a better than the others. In all of these quest we also have to take care of our soul because in the end the eternal resting place awaits. It is no use if we gain the whole world but lose our soul in the final resting place.

    I guess it is very true what the poem describes, in life and death we are always reaching.

    Wishing you and your family a very happy Easter, Lee

Related Post
Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies.