Illusion of Separateness

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Life's greatest heated human tragedy
the one we are likely taught not to see.
Our wide-ranging worlds are well connected,
as atoms wiggle we're all effected.
Separation is optic illusion
a fitting end to one's soul seclusion.

Gurus say I am you and you are me,
that's the way it's supposed to be.
If I am Abe, Alice, Aron, Abu;
are they really me, how can that be true?
One respects collective society,
pledges to individuality.

It's in us to foster global good will
hold high hopes for oneness not to stand still.
Compassion is the real eternal key,
the single most important reality.
In the rays of moonlight truth shines so clear
allays all our unstated oneness fear.

When face to face, touch hands to then embrace;
stand up, stand in, alone and take your place.
So don't be offput by any confusion;
you're not separate, it's an illusion.
Lots of wisdoms will surely come to pass
while we lay lulling the scent of sweetgrass.




167 words   24 lines  couplets
Reference: Albert Einstein quote, "The greatest tragedy
of human existence is the illusion of separateness"
Reference: Robin Wall Kimmerer, "Braiding Sweetgrass"
author, indigenous scientist, native American
Reference: Dalai Lama, teaches the importance 
of compassion practice
Reference: Thomas Merton quote, "We are already one. 
But we imagine that we are not."

Pen illustration by G. Gaul


September 2022

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022



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Date: 12/9/2022 9:57:00 AM
Greg, Your poem is majestic! We are all one "as atoms wiggle, we're all effected" "you're not separate, it's an illusion." So very true. Our oneness is celebrated." Congratulations on your win!
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Date: 12/6/2022 7:16:00 PM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing your reflections, wisely expressed through your awesome poetic style. Thanks likewise for sharing your art. God bless you.
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Date: 12/5/2022 8:00:00 PM
Clear truth, so artistically stated, Greg. Indeed, compassion is a higher octave of love, compassion rooted in purity of being. Unity consciousness awaits. Warmest congratulations on your podium finish.
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Date: 9/24/2022 8:46:00 AM
Nice to meet meet you Greg via this contest. Congratulations on your top win. A wonderful thought provoking poem that "resonates" with me. I too believe everything is connected and we are all one. Cheers Anne :-)
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Gaul Avatar
Greg Gaul
Date: 9/24/2022 3:48:00 PM
Anne, I appreciate your insightful and kind comments. Congrats too for your fine placement. So nice to meet you too.
Date: 9/23/2022 11:00:00 AM
Congratulations on your top win Greg! Truly we are one body, one spirit which is evidenced by our communal compassion when one member is hurting or grieving. If there is a ripple in the body, the spirit feels it! You have eloquently spoken this truth with wonderful word choices and beautiful images in flowing rhyme. Blessings to you. Thank you for this enlightening perspective. All the best.
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Gaul Avatar
Greg Gaul
Date: 9/24/2022 6:11:00 PM
As a Christian, you have reached quite far to embrace this basic Eastern perspective. Actually, Jesus did the same. Few actually fully understand this to the deepest level. Most are caught up in the "love thy neighbor as thy self" quote. And that's about it. The deeper aspects of Oneness were yet more challenging and Merten was heretical in the church's eyes. The Unitarians promoted this concept but few from the protestant sects followed. So here we are discussing Oneness and Universal Consciousness, two New Age concepts that I hope will gain traction for next generations. Compassion is overarching and stands on its own. Thank you for your interest and support.
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