The Meaning of Life

Some people give the illusion
    there is widespread confusion
        as to what constitutes the meaning of life.
But I was taught by my brother...
    or was it my Mother?
        It has a lot to do with the handling of strife.

A Child should be taught
    that it's fine to be fraught
        when trials and doubt cause reflection.
But no matter the slump
    you'll get a strong bump
        when surrounded by those with affection.

You are inclined to be less wary
    even though the world is scary
        when supported by family and friends.
And when you love one another
    and even better... a significant other
        you'll find the journey starts to really transcend.

But the meaning you seek
    will not give you relief
        if you fail to be prudent and wise.
You'll find life a lot tougher
    and thus exceedingly rougher
        to make sense of the things you despise.

You will find you're life will worsen
    when you're not a good person
        and unsure of how to do what is right.
You should seriously be leaning
    towards only the things that have meaning
        to improve your situation and plight.

How does a person start?
    I guess I would slowly depart
        from activities where you get angry and riled.
And become a far greater force
    by changing your course
        and become a much better Parent, Friend or Child.

Once you get a handle on strife...
    You'll find the meaning of life
        is to help others become a bit stronger.
And once you're a person complete
    you can love all you meet
        and not fear the meaning of life any longer.

But to those... who thrive on strife
    to mess up their life
        it's only fair to give you a clue.
So you'll be happy to know
    where the wild things grow
        and thus the answer is a crisp 42.*

                The End

*A computer was fed all the relevant data to determine the meaning of life and came back with the answer 42. It is also the number used in 'A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' in their search for the meaning of life.

*Written for the poetry contest on the 'Meaning of Life' sponsored by Chantelle Anne Cooke.

*For those who are interested. My cartoon 'Bob's your Uncle' can be seen on my homepage. A new one will appear every second day.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Laurie Avatar
May 30, 2019 at 11:50 PM
Hello David … good insight to the confusion many attempt to construe. God only knows what the answer is I guess - thanks David - Lindsay
Kiser Avatar
May 30, 2019 at 3:06 PM
"42" Quaternity and Duality...yes, that is probably the meaning of life, when one thinks about it. Enjoyed the read, looked deeper than the surface and this is a wise pen.
Wolf Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 11:16 PM
Truly a joy (and a treat!) to behold and to read. See you and it in the winner's circle, my poetic friend. Blessings, gw
Wolf Avatar
June 2, 2019 at 9:30 PM
Perhaps you are everyone's cup of tea: After all, aren't there two kinds of people in the world? -- Those who love your poems, and those who haven't read them yet?! ~ gw
Mchattie Avatar
May 27, 2019 at 8:20 PM
Thanks Gershon. This is my first contest entry. We'll see how I do since I'm not everyone's cup of tea. Have a great day.
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 12:18 PM
Hello David, I agree with Sunlite Wanter,this is a poem that could help others that need help.have a nice day my friend.
Mchattie Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 12:28 PM
There is something inherent in all of us to want to change the world but to be effective we have to clean up our own lives first. Baby steps I guess... Have a great day.
Wanter Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 11:03 AM
You found the "bean" I think - to help others be stronger. The trick is then, how do you do that? Such a well written thoughtful poem.
Mchattie Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 12:26 PM
This poem is partially based on the work of Jordan Peterson who teaches you should not tell other people what they should do until you have put your life in order. There are people protesting against all sorts of perceived wrongs and they can't even keep their own bedroom clean. Have a great day.
Connelly Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 9:46 AM
Oh so wise David. A sage poet you are. Great advice given. Thanks.
Mchattie Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 12:22 PM
This is poem was based on the idea where a person should not try and deal with the big issues in their life until they have put their life in some sort of order. Have a great day.
Romios Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 9:07 AM
One of your best, IMHO. Much appreciated Panagiota
Mchattie Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 12:20 PM
Thanks Panagiota. Appreciate your constant support. Have a great day.
Mcconnell Avatar
May 25, 2019 at 3:05 PM
Great penning David on the meaning of life, it's penned so well and brings home real meaning.
Mchattie Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 12:18 PM
I have always found people who are concerned about the meaning of life are always the ones who seem to create their own turmoil. Have a great day.
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