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Absolute Truth: How Can it Be?

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Have you ever questioned the very nature of truth? Is it a singular beacon or a multifaceted gem hidden throughout history? My poem is about the quest for absolute truth, which is both a mystery and a paradox. Based on many healthy philosophical arguments, it makes me sometimes wonder if absolute truth exists or not, although I say and know in my heart the answer is “Yes.” The poem describes this journey of searching, climbing, and solving it. It also reflects on how absolute truth inspires, expresses, and challenges our thoughts. The poem acknowledges the diversity, complexity, and paradox of absolute truth and how it invites us to seek, doubt, affirm, and critique it. The poem recognizes the value of dialogue, empathy, and transcendence that absolute truth teaches them.

Warmest Regards,

Daniel Henry Rodgers

_________________

Absolute truth, both mystery… and paradox. “You make me wonder if you exist or not?” The Greeks glimpsed you in circles and squares, The medievals revered you in scriptures and prayers, The moderns doubted you in facts and proofs. Absolute truth, a hidden treasure in the dark, I’ve been searching for you with a lantern and a map. Absolute truth, a misty mountain peak, We’ve been climbing towards you with a rope and a pick. Absolute truth, a puzzle, and a wonder, We’ve been solving you with a clue and a key. The enlighteners searched you in nature and reason, The romantics sang you in passion and vision, The existentialists questioned you in freedom and action. Absolute truth: are you still alive and relevant? You’ve been inspiring us with your beauty and your grace. Absolute truth, you are diverse and multifaceted, You’ve been expressing yourself in every culture and every race. Absolute truth, you are complex and paradoxical, You’ve been challenging me to question and embrace. The analytics dissected you in symbols and signs, The continentals explored you in history and culture, The postmoderns deconstructed you in relativity and plurality. Absolute truth, you invite us to seek, doubt, affirm, and critique. You show us the value of curiosity and humility. Absolute truth: you challenge us to dialogue, listen, respect, and appreciate. You teach us the importance of diversity and empathy. Absolute truth, you call us to transcend, transform, love, and serve. You lead us to the ultimate goal of harmony and peace. The scientists explain you in matter and energy, The believers proclaim you in faith and grace, The artists create you in beauty and meaning. But the needle spins wildly, a chilling impart… "Absolute Truth is a compass with a broken heart."

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Crystol Woods

Date: 4/13/2024 9:32:00 AM

You've captured the soul of seekers everywhere here! I too seek truth and knowledge. When we stop asking questions, we stop growing. So beautifully written, thought provoking, and....True! I'll need to reread this a few times to catch every nuance.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 4/14/2024 6:48:00 PM

Dear Crystol, Your words deeply touched me. It's comforting to know that my poem has touched the soul of a fellow seeker of truth and knowledge like yourself. Your insight into the importance of continuous questioning and growth is profound. I'm grateful for your appreciation of the nuances in my writing and your willingness to engage with it on a deeper level. Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to explore the depths of my poem. - Blessings, Daniel

Duke Beaufort

Date: 3/20/2024 5:23:00 AM

Daniel, this poem looks at perspectives with kindness and objectivity. It reflects the tolerance and respect you have for different philosophical approaches. I believe there is absolute truth also. However, in many cases, we will never know where matter and energy came from--the beginning of everything. I find it difficult to conceive that something comes from nothing, but I also can conceive of no other explanation for the universe. While there is absolute truth in science, we don't have all the facts when it comes to behavior and thought, so we infer truth.

Duke Beaufort
Date: 3/20/2024 5:57:00 AM

I edited my comment...your are swift and smart, sir! Which one of us is an atheist? I did not realize you are one, but that is OK with me since I am one. If you are not, that is OK too.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/20/2024 5:40:00 AM

Hello Duke, Thank you for your insightful commentary on my poem, which acknowledges the complexity of philosophical perspectives. I loved your recognition of the poem's exploration of differing viewpoints, which reflects your nuanced approach to understanding diverse beliefs. The contemplation of absolute truth and the universe's origins reveals the profound questions we grapple with, emphasizing the humility inherent in recognizing the limits of human understanding. Your kind comments demonstrate the value of fostering open dialogue and seeking understanding amidst uncertainty. People sometimes call me a "Truther," which may be a put-down, but I see it as a badge of courage and honor, for it does take more faith to be an atheist. - Blessings, my friend, as always! - Daniel

Paul Willason

Date: 3/17/2024 11:13:00 PM

Just a fascinating and totally absorbing read. The questions raised are profound and have engaged many great minds. I have a natural bias towards the power of poetry, beauty and meaning made manifest by the agency of creative intuition, echoes of Jacques Maritain. Poetry takes us to the outskirts of the mystical where, at that point, language breaks down. Apologies for not acquainting myself with yr work before this.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/18/2024 6:04:00 AM

Hello Paul, your insightful commentary truly honors the essence of poetry and its ability to probe the depths of existence. Your reference to Jacques Maritain is very meaningful, highlighting the transcendental journey poetry offers. No apologies necessary; I'm grateful for your thoughtful engagement with my work now. Thank you for sharing your perspective and enriching the dialogue on the profound questions poetry raises. - Blessings, my friend! - Daniel

Silpika Kalita

Date: 3/17/2024 4:13:00 PM

So introspective with essence and depth. I always poetry has didactic mission with inquisitive analysis and a deep philosophy. Thank you for all the pens, will try to go one by one. Regards

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/17/2024 6:18:00 PM

Dear Silpika, your thoughtful reflection touches my soul. Poetry, for me, is indeed a journey of introspection and discovery, a quest for wisdom and understanding. I'm grateful for your appreciation of my work and humbled by your commitment to explore each piece. Your support fuels my creative endeavors. Wishing you moments of enlightenment and inspiration on your poetic journey. -Blessings, Daniel

Lady Labyrinth

Date: 3/15/2024 5:07:00 AM

I've just come across this outstanding poem of yours. Congratulations on a well deserved POTD. I came across an excellent article written about "Truth", via research for my most recent poem, the article link you may find interesting. Link below. :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/15/2024 9:17:00 AM

Dear Lady, thank you for your kind note and I am so grateful. Yes, I will check out this article. You sound like me that we are always researching our passions. - Blessings, my Dear Friend!!- Daniel

Lady Labyrinth
Date: 3/15/2024 5:07:00 AM

https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Glossary/Word_of_the_Week/Archived/Emet/emet.html

Christine Phillips

Date: 3/14/2024 10:49:00 AM

Hi Daniel: But the needle spins wildly, a chilling impart…"Absolute Truth is a compass with a broken heart." So, gripping and telling, it's a painful, strong and beautiful ending. Excellent work of art! Keep writing.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/14/2024 2:00:00 PM

Dear Christine, thank you so much for your inspiring comments and deeply appreciate every word. - Blessings my friend! - Daniel

The Situation

Date: 3/14/2024 6:46:00 AM

Philisophical to the fullest. It took me to that place where the Greeks put us in our minds. Great work!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/14/2024 10:15:00 AM

Hello TS, It sounds like you are also a philosophy lover. Thank you for coming and sharing some of my philosophy thoughts. Blessings, my Friend, Daniel

Panagiota Romios

Date: 3/13/2024 8:19:00 PM

You took me back to college days at Loyola Unibersity, A thing cannot ve aand be at the same time, Kater I study the history of western philosophy. Of course, about killed me.. I don’t know any answers to anything anymore. I am about as far away from an intellectual as you ever find.. and they made it my business to do that. Anyway, I’m very sorry I am late on responding to your honor of a POTD.I know how intelligent you are and I know it was a great choice. Congrats! Pangie

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/14/2024 4:45:00 AM

Dear Pangie, first of all, I hope that you had a wonderful birthday! I appreciate your kind and wonderful comments. One of my great passions has always been philosophy, and for me, it is enjoyable and thought-provoking. Thanks again, my friend. - Blessings, Daniel

Yolanda Nicholsen

Date: 3/13/2024 1:24:00 PM

This is an absolute treasure Daniel many blessings I simply adored reading your work today Thanks for sharing.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 3:35:00 PM

Dearest Yolanda your words fill my day with joy and graciousness. Thank you for being part of the journey! - Blessings, Daniel

Deb M

Date: 3/13/2024 11:58:00 AM

It really warmed my heart Daniel seeing your poem as POTD! You are so kind, encouraging and supportive to so many on PS ….today is your special day…..well deserved for such a powerful, deep write! Enjoy….Debx

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 3:33:00 PM

Dearest Deb, ahhh…thank you so much my friend and I very much in awe of your comments. I try to live my life with positive and meaningful interactions and I am so happy to call you friend. - Blessings, Daniel

Sotto Poet

Date: 3/13/2024 9:55:00 AM

Dear Daniel, your poem is deeply moving and exquisitely crafted. The profound themes you have explored will linger in my mind for some time. Your work is a masterful blend of philosophy and intricacy. In our modern era of constant connectivity, we are often consumed by our limited viewpoints. However, it is important to remember that truth remains unchanged by individual perspectives. Reality will prevail, regardless of how we perceive it. A Fave

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 10:06:00 AM

Thank you, Sotto, for your thoughtful words. I'm grateful that my poem touched you on such a profound level. Your reflections on truth and perception beautifully complement the themes explored in my work. Indeed, amidst the chaos of modern connectivity, acknowledging the immutable nature of truth becomes paramount. Your appreciation is truly cherished. - Blessings, my friend, Daniel

Speaks Volumes

Date: 3/13/2024 6:37:00 AM

Absolute Truth, such a fine line. Your poem is poignant and so well written Daniel. To ponder all the thought provoking issues you have raised will take a while. An excellent poem Daniel.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 7:15:00 AM

Dearest Wen, your kind words mean a lot to me. I'm glad my poem resonated with you and sparked contemplation. Thank you for appreciating the depth of the theme and the craftsmanship in my writing. Your encouragement motivates me to keep exploring thought-provoking topics through poetry. - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Anais Vionet

Date: 3/13/2024 6:33:00 AM

I like this timely piece. Has truth ever been more flexible or fluid? The transitions in tone - alliteration, contrast, paradox and parallelism - mixed like a painter's colors. Your piece is philosophical and complex. The trouble with our Internet age, is that we can display our tiny, personal perspectives. I don’t think truth is altered by personal perspective - if we’re in the wrong place, the bus will hit, or the shark will bite regardless of our perspective. Nice one, DHR

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 7:14:00 AM

Dear Anais, your insightful comments on my poem mean a lot to me. I'm grateful for your recognition of the timely theme and the craftsmanship in tone transitions. Your philosophical reflections on truth and personal perspective add depth to the conversation. Thank you for engaging with my work in such a thoughtful and meaningful way. - Blessings, my Friend, Daniel

Joyce Faure

Date: 3/13/2024 6:30:00 AM

But the needle spins wildly, a chilling impart… "Absolute Truth is a compass with a broken heart." Well said I enjoyed every word thanks for sharing your precious work!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 7:06:00 AM

Dear Joyce, Thank you so much for your visit and your amazing comments. It warms my heart that you enjoyed it. - Blessing, my friend, Daniel

Joe Dimino

Date: 3/13/2024 6:14:00 AM

But the needle spins wildly, a chilling impart… "Absolute Truth is a compass with a broken heart." -- Love this. Wonderful poetic expression. Absolute truth lies in flexibility...in the realization of change on-going, immortal and no need to repeat itself exactly the same way. Yesterday's truth is today's slightly false -- absolute truth not to be confused with what works and is best for the moment.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 7:05:00 AM

Hello Joe, thank you deeply for your insightful and thought-provoking comments on my poem. I appreciate your perspective on the fluidity of truth and the importance of adapting to change. Your words enrich the conversation around the theme of truth in poetry. Thanks my friend, - Blessings, Daniel

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/12/2024 9:43:00 PM

I really enjoyed your take on absolute truth. I think for some it is an endless quest. I will just go by faith that anything so beautiful as nature had to come from a higher power. I see this got a POTD. Big congrats for that.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 4:22:00 AM

Thank you, Andrea! I'm glad my interpretation clicked with you. The quest for truth is indeed multifaceted, and finding peace in faith is a beautiful perspective. Your kind words mean a lot, and I appreciate your support. - Blessings my friend, Daniel

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 3/12/2024 6:48:00 PM

There is much truth in what you write. " A Compass With A Broken Heart," amazing how it can still guide and bring to safety, though broken the light can still penetrate and dispense, what a lovely reflective poem you have created D, :) POTD ! Way to go !

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/13/2024 4:17:00 AM

Thank you so much, Rose! Your thoughtful words mean a lot to me. I'm glad you found truth and reflection in "A Compass With A Broken Heart." Despite its brokenness, I aimed to convey the resilience of light and guidance even in challenging times. Your recognition as POTD is truly uplifting! - Blessings, Daniel

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 3/12/2024 3:22:00 PM

Daniel, this was written with faith and grace, everyone questions the truth at some time in their lives, yet the beauty of creation, can it be denied. Congratulations on poem of the day… Beryl

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/12/2024 5:21:00 PM

Dear Beryl, Thank you for recognizing the essence of my poem and for embracing its message of faith and grace. Indeed, questioning truth is inherent to our human experience, but the undeniable beauty of creation serves as a guiding light. Your kind acknowledgment means the world to me. - Blessings, Daniel

Sam Kauffman

Date: 3/12/2024 1:34:00 PM

Daniel, your wisdom sings through every line with a lyric cadence as humanity seeks to search for define God in a divine relationship! Love the sense of call and respond in the formatting of your poem. And I especially love the compass image in the last lines. Congratulations on your POTD! So happy for you my friend! You have brought something very special in your poetry to the soup! Blessings for your journey!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/12/2024 2:34:00 PM

Dear Sam, your words touch the depths of my soul! Your keen insight into the essence of my poem fills me with gratitude. I'm thrilled that you appreciated the call and response format and found resonance in the imagery, especially the compass. Your support and blessings mean the world to me. Thank you for celebrating this milestone with me, dear friend. Blessings, Daniel

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 3/12/2024 1:08:00 PM

Heartfelt congratulations on POTD honors for this stellar poem. Enjoy your special day, my friend. Evelyn

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/12/2024 2:33:00 PM

Dearest Evelyn, I am so grateful for you wonderful comments and accolades. Thank you and May you be blessed. Daniel

Silent One

Date: 3/12/2024 12:32:00 PM

Just returning to congratulate you on POTD.. Well deserved.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/12/2024 2:31:00 PM

Ahhh, thanks my dear friend- Blessings, Daniel

Robert Gorelick

Date: 3/12/2024 12:31:00 PM

Congratulations on the POTD, Daniel! Einstein words remind us to approach reality with curiosity, humility, and openness in order to embrace the ever-evolving nature of human understanding. I appreciate John 8:32 Jesus admonishes His disciples to know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Thank you for sharing your take on this expansive topic. A pleasure to endorse your meaningful and in-depth search for any subject which touches our lives, my best Robert

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/12/2024 2:31:00 PM

Thank you deeply, Robert, for your heartfelt words! Your appreciation touches my heart. Indeed, Einstein's wisdom and the spiritual guidance of John 8:32 intertwine beautifully in our quest for truth and liberation. Your endorsement fuels my passion to delve deeper into life's complexities with curiosity and humility. Robert your support means the world to me. Blessings, Daniel

Kelli White

Date: 3/12/2024 12:01:00 PM

Congratulations Daniel for an amazing poem of faith and perseverance, kelli

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/12/2024 2:28:00 PM

Dear Kelli, thank you for your wonderful comment it really blesses me. - Blessings my friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya

Date: 3/12/2024 11:32:00 AM

"Absolute truth, both mystery and paradox." your precious poetry is clear. It shall remain elusive and illusive, our minds like radio receivers can pick up only a limited amount of frequencies less we be overwhelmed. Pure Truth is indeed overwhelming for we mere mortals. Brandy below intimates the truth gets lost in the shuffle another example (He) is not -Malibu Jesus- does not have blue eyes & blond hair! Yet people believe what they want. Congratulations on POTD! Well-deserved. Enjoy hugs Anaya

I Am Anaya
Date: 3/12/2024 11:55:00 AM

It's OK Bill, I don't have that option on replies on potd. Daniel only can delete it tomorrow ;)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/12/2024 11:43:00 AM

Dearest Anaya, your deep understanding of Absolute Truth's complexities fills me entirely. Your analogy of our minds as radio receivers is insightful and apt, highlighting our limitations in comprehending pure Truth. Yes, we are always plagued by our perceptions which can easily distort reality. Your congratulations mean a lot to me. Thank you for your thoughtful insights and warm wishes. Hugs, Blessings, Daniel.

Bill Baker
Date: 3/12/2024 11:40:00 AM

My continued comment posted under your comment, Anaya. My apologies, the computer did it, not me. Please delete this reply and the one below, my friend. Blessings, Bill

Bill Baker
Date: 3/12/2024 11:35:00 AM

Continued ... In scripture, Jesus states, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life ..." That's absolute enough for me. Absolute Truth will always be. Broken hearted by the lack of creation's understanding of His Love and purpose. As humans, we seek to know the truth, our truth which will be different for each of us; but Absolute Truth is The Truth, always the same and never changing. We seek to understand the truth about things while He is the Truth. Congratulations on an excellent poem, worthy of the POTD honor, my friend. Thanks for sharing your awesome poetry with us. Your poet friend in Texas, Bill

Bill Baker

Date: 3/12/2024 11:26:00 AM

Dear Daniel, I love your creativity in constructing this fine Free Verse Poem. I particularly like the way you talk and question Absolute Truth. The way you covered the different periods in time and wove the evolvement of thought on Absolute Truth was both engaging and a informative read. I also liked the way you addressed a variety of types of people (scientists, believers, and artist) to mentions a few. The closing line touched my heart, for Absolute Truth in none other than God our creator

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/12/2024 11:38:00 AM

Dear Bill, your appreciation for my poem warms my heart. Thank you for recognizing the depth of exploration into Absolute Truth and its significance across different perspectives and time periods. I'm glad you found the linking of thoughts engaging and informative. Your insight into the closing line deeply is felt, and I'm grateful for your thoughtful reflection. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, my Brother. - Blessings, Daniel

Bill Baker
Date: 3/12/2024 11:36:00 AM