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Existential Essence

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"Within the ever-expanding digital landscape, humanity grapples with profound existential questions. In this poem, we embark on a journey through the algorithmic wilderness, exploring the complexities of modern existence and the search for truth amidst the chaos of virtual connections and fragmented identities. Through introspective musings and contemplative reflections, we confront the paradoxes of productivity, the dread of inadequacy, and the quest for genuine connection in a world dominated by screens and superficial interactions."

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In the vast algorithmic wilderness, we search for truth... In the chaos of digital existence, we navigate the maze of virtual connections, seeking answers in the pixels that form our fragmented identities. Amid the ceaseless chase for productivity, we grapple with the paradox of busyness, wondering if our worth is measured by our output or... our ability to simply be. In the era of constant comparison, we confront the existential dread of inadequacy, haunted by curated lives on screens... that mirror our own distorted reflections. Beneath the surface of superficial interactions, we crave for genuine connection, searching for authenticity in a world... where masks are worn as shields... against vulnerability. Surrounded by the droning of voices clamoring for attention, we struggle to find our own amidst the noise, craving moments of silence... to hear the wisdom in the wind of our true selves. In the face of ecological devastation, we grapple with our role as stewards of the earth, questioning the meaning of progress... in a world on the brink of potential collapse. Against the backdrop of societal polarization, we confront the existential challenge of empathy, wondering if compassion can bridge the chasms... that divide us or if we are destined... to remain adrift in a sea of discord. And in the end... we realize the journey was the destination all along...

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Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 3/6/2024 4:39:00 PM

Oh, that last line simply took my breath away. This is a fave. It is a powerful and beautiful truth, and such a blessing.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/6/2024 5:02:00 PM

Dear BJ, thank you for your most gracious visit and affirmations. I am glad that you enjoyed poem. - Blessings my dear friend, Daniel

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 2/29/2024 8:30:00 AM

A powerful write. The journey is always to the destination. Enjoy your wonderful day.........

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/6/2024 5:01:00 PM

Dear Paula, thank you for your visit and kind words for it is very appreciated. - Blessings, Daniel

Panagiota Romios

Date: 2/28/2024 10:01:00 AM

Daniel.. I grew up in a non-digital age. And for me; the social media universe is madness.. you know like trying to compare ourselves out to one another, but let me ask you where is love? Anyone can ride complements and not mean a thing. Not seeing someone’s eyes… not hearing their voice….just hearing keystrokes Unless we communicate with someone by telephdigital netizens. I miss voices on a phone! Loathe texting. Today is all we have.. we allow any media to explain things? Pangie Pangie

Panagiota Romios
Date: 2/28/2024 11:37:00 AM

Back! Woulld you please tell me the title of your short story and its date! With thanks, Pangie

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/28/2024 10:22:00 AM

Dear Pangie, my Friend, I hear you loud and clear! Getting caught up in the relentless comparisons that swirl through social media is easy. I agree that the pursuit of validation can often feel empty compared to the depth of a heartfelt connection. Often, all the likes and comments in the world can't replace a genuine conversation, hearing someone's laughter, or sensing the sincerity in a voice. I understand your desire for those warm, authentic moments of connection. It's vital to preserve those spaces in our lives because that's where true nourishment for our souls lies. - Love is the key to healthy and deep relationships. I wrote a short story in PS that speaks about what is love that I would be interested in your thoughts after reading. - Blessings, Daniel

Paige Hind

Date: 2/24/2024 6:43:00 PM

I have struggled and wondered about this. I wish I knew... thank you for this writing

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/28/2024 10:18:00 AM

Dear Paige, thank you for visiting my poem and leaving a comment. Many of us, no matter what our age is, ask questions about what is the meaning of all the changes that are happening. Change is inevitable no matter what era; however, because of technology, change has moved at a much more rapid pace than ever before. Therefore it is good to wonder and question. I thank you again, my friend, and I love the discourse. - Blessings, Daniel

Duke Beaufort

Date: 2/24/2024 5:53:00 AM

Daniel, there is so much here to respond to. You get to the notion of wisdom and what we have done to the environment. That is such an important thing around which we get so much misinformation/noise. You raise questions about discourse, empathy, discord, and compassion. If I were a teacher, I would definitely use this poem as a teaching tool. These are such important concepts that people of all kinds need to consider and respond to. Differences can be bridged with the right attitude.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/24/2024 4:57:00 PM

Dear Duke, I’m grateful for your keen insight into the themes of wisdom, environmental stewardship, discourse, empathy, discord, and compassion that I attempted to weave into the poem. Your recognition of the potential for my poem to serve as a teaching tool is truly gratifying. If it can contribute in some small way to fostering understanding and bridging differences, then I feel I’ve achieved something meaningful. Thank you for taking the time to engage deeply with the themes and ideas presented in the poem. Blessings, Daniel

Sotto Poet

Date: 2/23/2024 11:26:00 AM

This outstanding piece, Dear Daniel, delves into the minutiae of our current use, investigating the difficulties and unpredictability that are associated with managing the world of the web. You adeptly convey the essence of the adversity and philosophical concerns that shape our modern existences through compelling metaphors like the "algorithmic wilderness" and the "labyrinth of internet interactions."

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/23/2024 4:55:00 PM

Hello Sotto thank you for stopping by and leaving such affirmative comments. It is always such a pleasure to read your comments and I also enjoy reading your poems. Thanks again. - Blessings, Daniel

Paul Bell

Date: 2/23/2024 6:27:00 AM

With billionaires owning the media, you can see why they want you to dance to their tune. Life sure is a journey, and it's a journey you can be led into, or it's one you follow with your eyes wide open. I think as humans, we're all looking for our maker, and that really is a lifetime search.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/23/2024 6:59:00 AM

Dear Paul, Thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts on my poem. Your reflection on the influence of billionaires in the media and the notion of being led versus walking with eyes wide open are right on target. Indeed, life is a journey of self-discovery, and the quest to find our true purpose is a lifelong pursuit. Your perspective adds depth to the themes I explored in my poem, and I appreciate your thoughtful engagement with my work. - Blessings, Daniel

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 2/22/2024 4:43:00 PM

Hi Daniel, such a thought provoking poem here. It takes the reader on a journey of introspection, goal accomplished.. As you said "the journey was the destination".

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/23/2024 6:57:00 AM

Dear Nancy, Thank you for your wonderful, kind comments. It is a great pleasure that we are on that journey enjoying life for what it is all about. Have a great weekend- Blessings, Daniel

Speaks Volumes

Date: 2/22/2024 4:16:00 PM

So true Daniel, until we grow really old, then we are content with ourselves and incapable of fixing things happening in the world that are so undeniably wrong, so we just sit by and watch the rest of the world go by. Its such a pity when we grow too old to care. Your poem is personified truth. A resoundingly good read. Well done. Wen

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/23/2024 6:55:00 AM

Thanks so much, Wen, for your thoughtful reflection on my poem. Your words of encouragement mean a lot to me, capturing the bittersweet truth of aging and its impact on our ability to enact change in the world. It's a great point to cherish our youth and the fire within us to make a difference. I'm grateful for your kind words and encouragement. - Blessings, Daniel

David Kavanagh

Date: 2/22/2024 2:31:00 PM

I believe in the end Daniel, it’s human intelligence that’s driving us all mad, were we ever really ready for civilisation and modernity, let alone social media, and particle accelerators, looks like it’s a runaway train from now on in, sorry did I go off on a different track, a thought provoking piece, cheers David

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/22/2024 3:20:00 PM

Dear David, Thank you for sharing your insightful reflections. Your ponderings on the role of human intelligence in the complexities of modernity and civilization are important to me. Indeed, the rapid pace of technological advancement, epitomized by phenomena like social media and particle accelerators, often leaves us questioning our readiness and adaptability. Your metaphor of a runaway train encapsulates the sense of inevitability and perhaps even the chaos that accompanies our journey forward. It’s conversations like these that remind us of the importance of introspection and dialogue in navigating the ever-changing landscape of human existence. Thank you for your perspective, David. I enjoy these type of discussions. - Blessings, Daniel

Tom Woody

Date: 2/22/2024 2:02:00 PM

I am one who has written a number of blogs, comments etc on the problems of SM, ie, the drawbacks of interacting with people you don't know and (generally) can't authenticate. Are they who they say they are? Or someone else? Do we base our self worth on the affirmations of these cyber ghosts? And yet here I am, like you, wanting some sort of validation. It's a neo-conundrum of existential questions, and the only answer I have is spend as much time in the real world as possible

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/22/2024 3:14:00 PM

Dear Tom, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on my poem. Your reflections on the pitfalls of social media and the quest for validation in a virtual world is very significant to us today. Indeed, navigating the authenticity of online interactions and grappling with the significance we attribute to them are modern-day conundrums. Your suggestion to invest more time in the real world is definitely what we need to do. It’s in those tangible moments, amidst genuine connections and authentic experiences, where we often find the true essence of ourselves. Your insights have sparked further contemplation, and I’m grateful for the dialogue your comments have initiated. Let’s continue to seek meaningful insights together, striving for authenticity and connection in all our interactions. Thanks again Tom. - Blessings, Daniel

Tom Woody
Date: 2/22/2024 2:03:00 PM

Awesome write

Ink Empress

Date: 2/22/2024 1:40:00 AM

Dear daniel, i have so many times in the past written about this, we live in a world where so many are lost chasing algorithm, likes virtual lies, a stage that one cant tell if its genuinely scripted or not. How profound and soul hitting is this! You are very versatile in your way with writing on so many various subjects, human connections, and emotional impact from all this, you always highlight in the most poetic way, while also ensuring that you show that you do understand beneath the facade

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/22/2024 4:34:00 AM

Dear Ink Empress, Your heartfelt response to my poem profoundly moves me. I am grateful for the depth of insight and understanding you bring to our dialogue. Your reflection on the pervasive nature of our modern world, where so many are entangled in the pursuit of virtual validation and superficial connections, shows your insights into life. Your acknowledgment of my efforts to highlight the importance of genuine human connections in the most poetic way possible fills me with a sense of purpose. Thank you, Ink Empress, for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts with me. Your reflections serve as a source of inspiration and affirmation, showing me the fantastic impact that poetry can have in illuminating truths and fostering meaningful connections. It is always a joy to hear from you. - Blessings, Daniel

Ink Empress
Date: 2/22/2024 1:43:00 AM

And masks, there is a humanbeing, a heartbeat, that longs for sincere connection, but are we searching for it in the right places? So many thoughts so many truths, so much we need to understand and highlight, this is exactly what your poems do, make us feel and ponder, I especially love your word choices, how youve used words that fit the theme of your poem, which is something i admire about all your poems. “we struggle to find our own amidst the noise, craving moments of silence... to hear the wisdom in the wind of our true selves.” Words of a philosopher that understands emotions! Very well delivered! Another fave this is for me! Loved it

Bill Baker

Date: 2/21/2024 10:07:00 PM

Now it's more about simply being. I crave time to read and meditate on the thoughts that seem soulful to me. I have a deep desire to be authentic, but that alone is a very illusive state to define. I love your last line, "we realize the journey was the destination all along". I used to tell people I mentored, if they didn't enjoy the challenges of the path to their goals, they wouldn't enjoy the success once obtained. Life is about the moments that take our breath away. Blessings, Bill

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/22/2024 4:26:00 AM

Your wisdom in advising those you mentor to embrace the challenges of the path to their goals speaks volumes about your depth of understanding of life's intricacies. Indeed, life is about those breathtaking moments that leave us in awe of the world around us. Thank you once again, Bill, for sharing your thoughts and insights with me. Your words have touched me deeply, and I feel honored to engage in this meaningful exchange with you. Blessings, Daniel

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/22/2024 4:25:00 AM

Dear Bill, Thank you from the depths of my heart for your incredibly thoughtful and reflective response to my poetry. Your words ignited a cascade of reflections and emotions. The shift toward authenticity and a desire to savor meaningful experiences speaks volumes about the evolution of the human spirit. Your pursuit of authenticity mirrors my own, and I find peace in knowing that we're both navigating the complexities of defining and embodying our true selves. It's a sentiment I hold dear, encapsulating the profound truth that life's richness lies in the destination and the journey itself.

Bill Baker

Date: 2/21/2024 10:00:00 PM

Your poetry is so engaging, Daniel. It is a joy the read and digest. Your introductions alone give me great pleasure and a plateful of thoughts to consider. A few lines that I resonate with deeply are: "craving moments of silence... to hear the wisdom in the wind of our true selves", and "wondering if our worth is measured by our output or... our ability to simply be". When I was younger, it was always about efficiency and getting everything I could out of every moment, (continued)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/21/2024 9:16:00 PM

So profound. And the ending is superb

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/22/2024 4:13:00 AM

Good Morning, Andrea. Thank you for your kind comment. Have a great day, my friend! - Blessings, Daniel

Silent One

Date: 2/21/2024 12:27:00 PM

Dear Daniel.. Your poem resonates deeply with the contemporary experience, capturing the various challenges and existential questions that define our lives in the digital age. The imagery of the "algorithmic wilderness" and the "maze of virtual connections" vividly portrays the sense of disorientation that often accompanies our quest for meaning and identity in an increasingly interconnected world..

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/21/2024 3:59:00 PM

Dear Silent One, Thank you deeply for your wonderful reflections on my poem. Your interpretation truly honors the essence of the contemporary human experience and the complexities we face in the digital age. Your articulation of the journey as the destination resonates profoundly, encapsulating the very essence of our existence. I’m immensely grateful for your thoughtful engagement with it. - Blessings, Daniel

Silent One
Date: 2/21/2024 12:29:00 PM

concluding reflection on the journey as the destination encapsulates the essence of the human experience, reminding us that meaning and fulfillment are found not in the destination itself, but in the moments of growth, discovery, and connection that shape our lives along the way.

Heidi Sands

Date: 2/21/2024 11:34:00 AM

This is an excellent poem. Although I live life seeing the whole picture and analyze so much, I strive to fit simplicity into my life. Although not so easy with my complex mind lol. I think you did so well with this thought provoking poem. :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/21/2024 3:56:00 PM

Dear Heidi, Thank you immensely for your thoughtful response to my poem. Your ability to see the whole picture and strive for simplicity, despite the complexity of your mind, is truly admirable. Your words mean a lot to me. :) - Blessings Daniel

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/21/2024 8:20:00 AM

Yes, this journey upon earth is our destination and we can either use our time here for good or for evil. Thank you for sharing it with us and for dropping by my page. Sara K

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/21/2024 3:53:00 PM

Dear Sara, thank you for dropping and reading my poem and leaving a comment. I appreciate it and yes, we are using our time for good. Blessings, Daniel

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 2/21/2024 5:42:00 AM

You are something else, this is excellent, have a great day dear poet !

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/21/2024 6:04:00 AM

Good Morning, Rose, Thank you so very much for stopping by and taking the time to read my poem and leaving an uplifting comment. I hope your day is filled with joy. - Blessings, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/20/2024 11:05:00 PM

A poem full of complex arguments that are beyond me. My idea of life is simple. My brain refuses to search for complexity.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/21/2024 6:03:00 AM

Good Morning, Victor, LOL! I am sorry it is the Philosopher and Psychologist in me. I appreciate you coming to read my poem anyway, and it is always a pleasure to receive your comments. -Blessings, Daniel

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 2/20/2024 4:32:00 PM

this was a deep and thought-provoking poem, Daniel. We grapple with so much in today's world. The complexity seems absurd and unnecessary sometimes. Superficial interactions, dehumanizaton by technology, social polarization, war, information overload--the list is endless. No wonder so many struggle with emotions amidst a chasm of indifference. Existential crisis indeed. You nailed it with such insightful words. A psychological masterpiece, Daniel.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/20/2024 6:35:00 PM

Dear Sara, Thank you deeply for your generous and insightful reflection on my poem. Your words are the very essence of what I aimed to convey—a reflection of the complexities and absurdities that permeate our modern existence. Indeed, grappling with the myriad issues you mentioned can leave us feeling adrift amidst a sea of indifference. The existential crisis you aptly highlighted is a reality many of us confront in our daily lives. In a world where genuine connection can feel elusive and understanding seems fleeting, your thoughtful engagement with the themes of the poem reaffirms the power of meaningful dialogue and shared introspection. Thank you once again for your kind words and for taking the time to reflect on the poem with such depth and sincerity. - Blessings, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 2/20/2024 3:31:00 PM

Deep poem of a way of life I struggle to avoid. Thanks for this poem of an abstract future.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/20/2024 6:30:00 PM

Dear Hilda, thank you for visiting my poem and I appreciate your comments. - Blessings, Daniel

Lin Lane

Date: 2/20/2024 2:33:00 PM

How do we measure our own worth? Can we do so and still maintain humility? How can we read others if they wear a mask, and do we wear one to protect our innermost thoughts... our hearts? Lots of questions of being inadequate on many levels of our existence... to the point of it boggling the mind. I started to feel like... "Stop the world. I wanna get off!" Great delving into the psyche, Daniel. ;-)

Lin Lane
Date: 2/20/2024 6:44:00 PM

You're welcome, Daniel. When this kind of sharing poetic thoughts take place, we both gain experience and insight. You're correct about the enrichment that takes place between poets.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/20/2024 6:28:00 PM

Dear Lin, Thank you so much for your thoughtful reflection on my poem. It means a lot to me that you took the time to delve into its deeper questions. The inquiries you’ve highlighted about measuring our worth and maintaining humility is a delicate balance, isn’t it? Striving for self-awareness while navigating the complexities of our own inadequacies can indeed feel overwhelming at times. Your observation about reading others who wear masks is astute. We often don disguises to shield our vulnerabilities, guarding our innermost thoughts and hearts. And in doing so, it becomes a challenge to decipher the authenticity beneath the facade. Thank you again for your kind words and for engaging with the themes of the poem. It’s conversations like these that truly enrich the experience of writing and sharing poetry. - Blessings, Daniel

Sam Kauffman

Date: 2/20/2024 10:08:00 AM

Daniel, this is marvelous exploration of the human condition that ponders "existential existence" through our present day "algorithms" and "digital existence" only "in the end" to realize the "journey was the destination!" What spiritual depth each of your well chosen, well written, lines expresses. It is a marvelous poem, Daniel. Thank you for sharing the deep wells of your soul and your pilgrimage of faith. Blessings!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/20/2024 11:21:00 AM

Dear Sam, Thank you for your incredibly kind and insightful comments on my poem. Your recognition of exploring the human condition, mainly through the lens of "existential existence" in today's digital age, means a lot to me. I'm thrilled that you found spiritual depth in the poem's lines and appreciated the journey it takes the reader on. Your support and appreciation mean a great deal to me. Blessings my Friend, Daniel