In keeping with the November theme and in the spirit of the year coming to a close in a few weeks from now, I borrow the poignant words of the Brazilian poet and novelist Mario de Andrade today. This will resonate with those in their midlife and older, for those who have experienced wasting precious time on the wrong things in their youth:
My Soul Is In A Hurry
I counted my years and realized that I have
less time to live than the time I have lived so far.
I have more past than future.
I feel like that boy who had a bowl of cherries:
At first, he gobbled them, but when he realized that there were only a few left, he began to taste them intensely and passionately.
I do not have time for endless gatherings where statutes, rules, processes,
And internal regularities are discussed, knowing, that nothing will be achieved.
I don’t have time anymore to bear absurd people,
Who despite their age have not grown.
I don’t have time anymore to fight the mediocrity.
I don’t want to participate in conversations, where inflated egos are parading.
I can’t stand manipulators and opportunists.
I am annoyed by those envious people, who seek to discredit
the most able, in an attempt to take over their position and seize their talent and success.
My time is too short to discuss headlines.
I’m aiming for the essential, as my soul is in a hurry – not so many cherries left.
I want to live close to people who are “human”
Humans who laugh at their own weaknesses and are not terribly conceited
About their success.
Humans, who do not consider themselves elected before their time.
And humans, who take responsibility.
Humans, who defend human dignity and who are willing
To stand for truth and uprightness.
It is this, that makes life worth living.
I want to surround myself with people, who understand, how to touch the hearts of others.
People who have learned through life’s hard punches to grow by tender touches of the soul.
Yes, I am in a hurry.
I am in a hurry to live with the intensity that only maturity can give,
I do not intend to waste any of the remaining cherries.
I am sure they will be exquisite, much more than those eaten so far.
My goal is to reach the end – contented. At peace with myself, my loved ones and my conscience.
We have two lives, and the second one begins when you realise that you only have one.
Mario de Andrade
The penultimate stanza really got to me, but it’s the ending that drew me to this poem in the first place.
We have two lives, and the second one begins when you realise that you only have one.
Celebrate life and embrace the path that leads you towards fulfillment.
New from The Esoteric Frog:
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