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Why Things Happen

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The story behind this poem goes back to my career as a paramedic. Quite simply I went to work one day as I had done on every other shift before but on this exact day something unforeseen happened that could not have been helped that resulted in a career ending injury and that was my last day as a paramedic. So I was basically the rat in my poem.

I often wonder why it happened, why did it have to happen. But really, like in my poem, the answer is very simple. My path would never have crossed with the people I met resulting from and after my injury. Many of those people are now very important to me and what I have learnt since has been astronomical and profound in many ways. All because I fell into the pond. I didn’t actually fall into a pond by the way, that was just the metaphor I used in my poem.

So why did it happen? I really think it had to happen, as do many things good and bad, we see them as bad at the time but perhaps they need to happen to get us to the next stage in life, the better path. This new way of thinking helped me with the depression I spiralled into as a result from losing my career. [Clive Culverhouse, poem written March 2019]

The splash changed the course of the universe as the fish startled in his round of the pond. Why are you here? asked the fish. I fell in, cried the rat, wearing water he donned. Why did you fall in? again from the fish. I just fell in, just fell in, that is all. But why, you could have fallen several ways but you fell in here so why into this pool? I lost my balance what else should I say! The fish thought hard and needed to know. Ah I have it, began the fish, visit the frog. What for? frowned the rat preparing to go. He is wise, he will know why you fell in, the fish rounded a boulder, rounded a stone. The rat went to the frog to ask why did it happen. So tell me the tale, asked the frog sitting alone. I fell into the pond and met a fish we wanted to know why I fell into the water and now I’ve met you hopefully you can give me the answer I came for. The frog he was aging, his wisdom renowned, the answer is simple as you already know I’ve listened to your story and your answer, you already told. The rat was silent and still for a while, then why did I fall into the pond? was his wish. The frog replied, how else would you have met myself and the fish?

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Vijay Pandit

Date: 11/25/2023 5:13:00 PM

A meaningful story, Clive. I like your message--we should strive to make the best of every situation. Life rewards those who do.

Clive Culverhouse
Date: 11/26/2023 12:34:00 AM

Thanks for your visit and for your time, I appreciate your thoughts Vijay

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 11/25/2023 4:24:00 PM

Thank yoi for this poem. Outlook is important. I've known a lot of people who give up. Your advice is taken in the positive.

Clive Culverhouse
Date: 11/26/2023 12:33:00 AM

Yes that's an important factor Hilda, I was lucky by having a supportive family but many are not so fortunate, thank you for reading my poem

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 11/25/2023 3:09:00 PM

I appreciate the narrative before your poem; it added some understanding to your metaphor. I, too, experienced a life-changing injury...after which I was a bit bitter constantly asking "Why?" I eventually came to the same conclusion. As a result of my injury, the operation, and the care I received I was tranformed in ways I could never have imagined. Well said, Clive! enjoy your weekend, Sara

Clive Culverhouse
Date: 11/25/2023 3:29:00 PM

Excellent comment Sara, but sorry to hear that, we have to take positives out of these events otherwise it's a downwards plunge and it sounds like you and me both have come through it for the most part. Writing this poem helped me to realise it. Thanks for such a supportive reflection Sara

Ink Empress

Date: 11/25/2023 12:25:00 PM

Lost your balance and just fell in, this reminded me of my sister that went through something similar and she couldn’t walk for two years, and during such times we learn so much about life and more and how little things should be appreciated more, i loved reading the creative way you’ve delivered this, thank you for sharing.

Clive Culverhouse
Date: 11/25/2023 12:41:00 PM

Sorry to hear about your sister there, you're right though we do learn from the bad things probably more than the good things. Thanks for your support IE

Mat Ignacio

Date: 11/25/2023 10:29:00 AM

a deep and contemplative narrative that resonates well beyond the edges of its telling - thank you for sharing

Clive Culverhouse
Date: 11/25/2023 10:41:00 AM

Thanks for that profound comment, so much appreciated Mat