The Question

The Question … 


I had some questions, I asked a friend,
What is my purpose? Where is the end?
What happens to us when we all die?
Do we turn to ghosts ready to fly?

He smiled at me and nodded his head,
“How stupid you are,” he grinned and said.
Don’t you know that you will turn to dust?
All the laws of science are just and must!
If the light is gone, dark will appear,
Why should the darkness cause the fear?
You are up one day, bashful and gay. 
Next day, you are dead, sleeping all day.

I looked at my friend and asked again,
What's the nature of water in rain?
Water in oceans is rough and cold,
It dies into steam when heat is bold.
Rises to clouds, like a wingless bird,
Reborn as rain, which I’m sure you heard.
How do you know that when I am dead,
I do not come back with proof, be said?

He looked at me, glaring, and told me so;
foolishness is bliss; how do you know?

I told him to trust and follow your heart;
go within yourself, but yet depart.
Further and further into your soul,
Sometimes, science is out of control. 
I told him about the moth and flame,
how he loves fire, and himself to blame.
He starts like a worm crawling on ground,
then dies in cocoons, round and round.
He will be reborn after he’s dead,
He grows wings and legs, flying instead.
I told him about living and life;
Living and dying, always in strife.
The water in rain moths and weeds;
came all from the steam, worm, and seeds.
One day, I will be drinking the dew,
Drunk in the rainbow, singing adieu.

He started to think of moths and rain,
 looked at me, and smiled walked in vain.
He left me and slowly nodded his head;
Thinking of dying once he is dead.
I did not see him ever again,
but heard that he was dancing with rain. 

1/20/2016 Haloo


Note: This style of poetry is called "Masnavi"; it is a spiritual or mystical story in the form of couplets. This particular Masnavi consists of nine syllables in each line. Poetrysoup has a great explanation and example of this form of poetry.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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Troutman Avatar
July 5, 2016 at 10:35 PM
Excellent, great rhythm, great writing
Salehi Avatar
July 7, 2016 at 1:06 AM
Thank you very much....
Poteet Avatar
July 1, 2016 at 8:21 AM
no vegetative (or vegitive) state here, no sir ree. You aced the prompt and with creativity and rhyme to boot. Congratulations from someone who enjoyed your piece immensely. It's not all about taking the highest placement; this is a top quality poem. Shh! don't tell anyone, I'd give it first place.
Salehi Avatar
July 1, 2016 at 10:43 AM
Thank you for the vote of confidence. Is not about winning or losing, it is about the message. Thanks again.
Troutman Avatar
June 30, 2016 at 3:31 AM
Excellent read. Very thought provoking. I'm new to this, but wrote a poem called my answer which had all the same concepts, but not nearly as well done. Check mine out if you like. I'm in the healthcare field, so it's horribly scientific. The message is the same though. I'm impressed
Salehi Avatar
June 30, 2016 at 5:07 PM
thanks Tanis
Makama Avatar
February 18, 2016 at 8:56 AM
This is wonderful and lovely. Nice poetry here dear friend.
Salehi Avatar
February 18, 2016 at 11:12 AM
Thanks Funom, thank you for reading my work. It seems that we are on the same page regarding poetry... You are very accomplished yourself... Please stop by anytime, Love to chat with you... Pashng
Roper Avatar
February 9, 2016 at 4:20 PM
Love your concept on your poem. The out come is always repeated the ecosystem that's how the world survives.
Salehi Avatar
February 9, 2016 at 5:24 PM
I didn't know you have a contest... I will jump into it....
Chircop Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 9:52 AM
I love science,I love these great minds who try to solve our mysteries..and if I love them,I love their creator who am sure has a greater mind than all..I do believe We are created from love ,and nothing born through love and God will turn to dust.That is my humble opinion. Love your poem ..it makes me ponder about the living.: )
Salehi Avatar
February 8, 2016 at 1:54 PM
Thank you Charmaine.. I love science as well. I studied and taught science my entire life. There was a time in my life that I believed" SEEING is BELIEVING" and science will answer everything; then I realized that the way we interpret the data is through our sensory organs, eyes, ears... and etc. I don't trust my eyes how can trust the information that I am getting from it. All my works are philosophical and spiritual, I am seeking the love that you mentioned. Please read a couple more you'll understand MY LOVE!
Gasun Avatar
February 7, 2016 at 9:32 AM
Hello Pashang! All of us have our volition in life. I enjoyed reading this great masterpiece of yours. Thank you so much. love lots and hugs, Galeo
Salehi Avatar
February 7, 2016 at 1:40 PM
My volition in life is to try to understand the perplexity of our creation. You are too kind using the word "masterpiece" for my work. How can you judge by reading only one! I am not complaining, I am just inviting you to read few more. Thank you again Galeo for being so nice...... Pashang
Davies Avatar
February 5, 2016 at 1:10 PM
Pashang, another good write on the refusal of people to accept a spiritual existence. Although I have written a lot on this matter I feel that my introduction to your work today is awakening a desire to put pen to paper again in this regard..... Thank you
Salehi Avatar
February 5, 2016 at 3:33 PM
"Rumi" the greatest spiritual poet/philosopher that ever lived a 1000 years ago said, " Like a candle I shine, reflecting the light .. Turn my fortune so I can shed myself candle-like. I do the same thing, I think you do it as well. Keep doing it.. Thank you for stopping by....
Thirtyseven Avatar
February 4, 2016 at 8:14 AM
Yes there is the science of life, and they reveal more of that all the time. But as you say, the fun exciting parts of life, come from its mystery. Nice words.
Salehi Avatar
February 4, 2016 at 5:45 PM
Yes it is the mystery of mysteries. Life is an anomaly, we shouldn't be....
Beaufort Avatar
February 4, 2016 at 7:08 AM
When we go back in time, there is no beginning--so I say, "All bets are off". We only see the shadows--not the reality as you point out so well. A very big mystery is.
Salehi Avatar
February 4, 2016 at 5:43 PM
How do you know Duke? There is Heisenberg uncertainty principle and Schrodinger ‘s probability function that states, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE .... Shadows came from light and light exist in a form of duality matter and energy. In my question and every other piece that i have, I am seeking that ambiguity version of our existence. Why are we here? As you said the mystery of mysteries.
Turner Avatar
February 2, 2016 at 6:14 AM
Great write, Pashang. I told another writer just the other day. I am thinking that we never really die, we just pass from world to world in different forms. A7 for the poem.
Salehi Avatar
February 2, 2016 at 8:35 AM
Hi Daniel, some people turn off they reply mode! I do not... I truly believe on everything I say. The form that used in this is called "masnavi" it is a Rhyming Couplets with Spiritual Meaning.Thank you for the grade..
Callus Avatar
January 29, 2016 at 4:15 PM
Hi Pashang, you probe with questions and make us think about life and all that it brings with it. Whatever the experts say, it is up to us to make wise and fruitful decisions; good choices will lead to happiness. // paul
Salehi Avatar
January 30, 2016 at 10:25 AM
Thanks for stopping by... The greatest expert of all said, " Away bitterness, keep my taste sweet... my mouthful of wine, never deplete". cheers
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