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On the Meaning of Life

Standing near the edge of a lake Meditating on the meaning of life, I saw a bass take a sudden leap And grab a mosquito in midflight. The mosquito was minding its own Probably without a care in the world, When the bass brought a swift end To its otherwise uncomplicated life. Written May 14, 2022

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Joanna Feltham

Date: 5/16/2022 1:07:00 AM

A moment in time captured for us all to share. Great imagery, I saw the bass catch the mosquito in my mind's eye. Nice poem. :-)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/16/2022 7:51:00 AM

Thanks so much, Joanna. I'm so glad the poem resonated with you in such a real way. That was my intention.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 5/15/2022 5:04:00 PM

So uncomplicated! I see it and I smile.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/15/2022 7:51:00 PM

Thanks, Caren.

Maurice Rigoler

Date: 5/15/2022 11:40:00 AM

Milton, sir, there's a German poem by Christian Morgenstern whose first line resembles yours. I've translated it and should post it. Love the simple imagery of the mosquito and bass minding their existential purposes which in either case is mind your own business and be eaten. / Maurice

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/15/2022 11:49:00 AM

Wow, Maurice! I neither read German nor have heard of Christian Morgenstern; however, I am anxious to read a translation of his poem. Please do translate and post. Yes, there is a summarizing axiom to this little poem, which you have well stated. Thanks!

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 5/14/2022 12:19:00 PM

that is one great example of how life works, (smile) glad I'm not a bass in this lifetime, thank you for the chuckle

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/14/2022 1:05:00 PM

Yeah, I would not like to eat mosquitoes! OTOH, I'd rather be a bass than a mosquito. The bass have a fighting chance. Thanks. I'm glad you got a chuckle out of this one.

Jeff Kyser

Date: 5/14/2022 11:10:00 AM

Bass: getting us one step closer to Eden, one mosquito at a time!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/14/2022 12:16:00 PM

Mmmm...one down, sixteen gazillion to go! Thanks, Jeff.