I Am It

"Thou art That" (Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7 of the Sama Veda)

You wanna know what’s something you are not?
It is that easy. Take a piece of paper,
divide it into two parts with a pen,
entitle the left side as “I”, the right 
one – “It” and then think twice about who 
you are. A mate? A son? A spouse? A father?
Etcetera. Write down them on the left
and think again. What’s It? A pen? A paper?
The writing table you are sitting at?
The house you’re living in? Write down 
them all on the right side and then cross out 
the features which are neither You nor It.
Is “I” of you entirely determined
by features “man”, “taxpayer”, “citizen”?
Cross features out. Cross out everything
that’s not the real Itness which includes
all sets of Its throughout the universe, 
reducing both lists until just “I” 
and “It” remain. Read the result aloud...
Hm, I am It. The rest is I am not.


01.08.2019
Something I Am Not Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: craig cornish

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/15/2019 2:39:00 PM

I think you have a very philosophical side to you! This was clever and unique!

Kurt Ravidas

Date: 8/5/2019 8:58:00 AM

Dear collegues, I'm so glad to see you liked this humble poem. No, I'm happy! Rays of love)

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/5/2019 5:31:00 AM

It is a fun read, and when you do it, it is clear why it is a fun read. It is a fun activity too!

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/1/2019 6:10:00 AM

What an interesting write! You give a lot of thought to “it” ;)

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/1/2019 3:41:00 AM

This is really interesting Kurt. I shall have to try it. Nicely done my friend. xxoo : )

Quoth Theraven

Date: 7/31/2019 11:29:00 PM

Kurt, I like this poem. A very philosophical journey to the center of 'I' and 'it'. -Richard