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Wonder and Despair

Wonder and Despair, Twin brothers born of our need to know; These the tainted fruits These the light and dark Born of laboring knowledge. Learning's vanities Illuminate its limits. The hard currency Of humility, The price of Nature's secrets. So we find ourselves Hung amid infinities... Below, Forever. Above, Forever. Grains on a beach, we between. We explain the world And it defines us, laughing: Creatures of a day, Playing at Godhood See our insignificance. Less than angelic, More than beastial, we strive, Sailing on our thoughts To the antipodes Of Being, on the ship named Novum Organon, Sails full of a wind of words Towards those pillars At the narrow strait Of wisdom: Wonder, Despair.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 10/2/2009 6:03:00 AM
Thank you for posting your splendid poetry that we all may read it William. It was a very enjoyable read for me this morning. It is not often I see your wonderful poetry being posted. Love, Carol
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Date: 10/1/2009 2:44:00 PM
What a talent you have for reaching into your mind and crafting words that provide much food for thoughts. Really enjoyed the reference to "grains on a beach: with infinity both above and below us. Then as we search for answers, the world laughs. Brilliant, William! Love, Carolyn
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Date: 10/1/2009 1:28:00 PM
I like the last two lines especially. Keep writing. Sara
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things