Stoicism as a Way of Life

Written 23 November 2023
Placed 1st in :
Stoicism as  Way of Life Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Sotto Poet

                                      Stoicism as a Way of Life 

                                In a world where piling of wealth
                                     Is for many the goal of life
                                    Often to detriment of health,
                               Where workplace is a seat of strife,

                              Where success is greeted with roars
                                   Of hectic music and dances,
                          Where births are hailed with loud uproars,
                        Where week-ends are welcomed with trance,

                              Failures may become stumbling blocks,
                                    A sorrowful source of sadness,
                                   Often engender spells of shocks
                              And veil one`s own life with darkness.

                                        The loss of a beloved one
                                 May tear to tatters one`s own life
                                    Ignite the downfall of someone,
                                   With stress and stains souring life.
                                                              
                                    If one sticks to a stoic stance
                             And views the world with a cool glance,
                                 Failures will be less harsh to bear 
                              And the mind will be sound and clear,

                                    Fateful events will fetch no tear
                                       Fate will be taken for a ride
                                    Life and death will entail no fear
                                       Ill feelings will be cast aside.
 
                               A Stoic stance strings human nature
                                    In accord with Cosmic Nature,
                                  Guides man to the path of virtue
                                     And to a rational world view.

                                      Stressing Nature`s divinity,
                                          It is a deep philosophy
                                    That aims to evict human evils
                                      For a way of life free from ills.

                                     It sets a mid course to follow,
                                   Teaches one`s feelings to retain,
                                 Temper one`s sadness and sorrow
                                    And joys of success to contain.

                                       It beams clarity in the mind,
                              Sparks bright rays of positive thoughts,
                              Fills the world with its gleams of shine
                                And brings many hurdles to nought.

                                 Such a stance takes fate for a ride,
                                    Halts sad events to bear a tear,
                                   Bursts of pride to be cast aside,
                                   Life and death to entail no fear.

                                        Its other positive aspect
                                Prompts for everyone deep respect,
                                       Debars excess of emotion
                                  And is the source of compassion.

                                    Scanning deeply the inner self
                                    Can confer such a stoic stance
                                     And surely bestow on oneself
                                Strength to face every circumstance.

                                       The stoic self is like a lake
                                  Shining with kindness for others,
                                 Gleaming with hopes ever awake,
                                Keen to treat others like brothers;

                                        The pitch of rationality,
                                       The seed of spirituality,
                                      Is the bed of tranquility,
                                The real source of mindful peace,
                                      The gateway to divinity
                                  And the seat of eternal bliss.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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

Andresen Avatar
November 29, 2023 at 9:23 AM
- Congratulations on your win in the "Stoicism As Way of Life" contest...great writing :) -
Guptar Avatar
November 29, 2023 at 9:28 AM
Thanks a lot for appreciating the poem and for your kind wishes. Have a nice evening. KG
Poet Avatar
November 28, 2023 at 1:26 PM
Your contemplation on the stoic way of life is truly profound. Your words are imbued with a gentle flow that brings solace. Congratulations on your well-deserved win
Guptar Avatar
November 29, 2023 at 4:54 AM
Thank you Master Sotto for your very positive comments, appreciation of the poem and for its placement in your Poetry Contest. Wish you a nice day ahead.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace