the philosophy of abstaining



fast, to appreciate hunger
compassion for your fellow mankind
food plays with the senses

delectable

abstain from your deepest desires
and your existence will
be pure pleasure

delicious

take a vow of silence
you will find words
too precious

distinctive

disappear from the online world
for awhile, you will see clearly
the best of the best

dverse

_____________________



today I celebrate Eid, after a month of fasting. And our dear Brian, is back within our fold after many months of staying away. hence, the above poem.


34 comments:

  1. Eid Mubarak! What a befitting poem! An excellent execution of the prompt :D Hope you're having a wonderful day :D

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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    1. Eid Mubarak Sanaa! Hope it was a fruitful Ramadhan for you. I have been ill, so my daughters and sisters took charge of cooking a feast - but I finally could cook a decent meal today.

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  2. ~~~ a beautiful bit of wisdom

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  3. abstaining from certain things for a bit helps us to see them in a different light i think... a little break from the online world is sometimes good to help us see those around us better

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    1. It is now that I understand the value of abstaining. Previously only with food.

      Ha Ha! You won't believe this but I picked this up from 50 Shades of Grey too (In defense I only read Book 1)!

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  4. I think that abstention can lead you to a greater appreciation of hte world around you, and hopefully lead you into compassion. We live in a world of exclusion far too often - and even the most humble of person can quickly realize there are those that they leave out of their social circle - whether conciously or subconciously.

    It tells you a lot about yourself, but also about other people - when you come back from these periods of abstention. You have changed, and people do not always like change. Those that knew you once, may not accept the new you.

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    1. Hi Hawk!
      Appreciation of the world is a continuous quest - it allows us to grow. It drives us to never give up.

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    2. No, I think you missed my point at dverse.

      You have all the time in the world to reply to comments on your blog - but have never once returned the favor to read one of my poems.

      This is why I do not respect you.

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    3. Thank you for your feedback. I do try to get to know poets I comment on. Well, I hope you have a good day.

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  5. A very timely poem...love all the d-words..Eid Mubarak!

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    1. Eid Mubarak! Here we also say Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri…Salam!

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  6. I haven't tried abstaining from food for that long period but I do appreciate the lessons learned ~ And of course, disappearing awhile has its own lessons too ~ Good to see you Ninot ~

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    1. Good to see you too Grace! Try fasting Grace - it is most liberating!

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  7. Ninot Ma'am, To rest a little between takes gives one the respite which later translates to better sense of productivity than normal. It works as the mind at rest gets the energy ganging up ready for take-off! Great lines!

    Hank.

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  8. There are those situations, relationships, & desires that one day we realize are taking too much of a toll on us at soul-level, & abstinence is the only logical course. Obesity has been my lifetime companion, & I struggle daily to come to terms with food as sustenance & not reward. I have not really tried Fasting--perhaps it could be a new tool for me.

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    1. I never lose weight fasting Glenn, which shows me I have yet to practice true abstinence.

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  9. Yes, Brian is the best of the best - so wonderful to see him again! And you, Ninot - our paths cross a little less frequently, these days, but I will never forget how you encouraged me from the start - and showed me how easy it is to start a book. Forever grateful, my friend.

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    1. Darling Sherry, hush! It was my pleasure. I am writing continuously, which is why I am not blogging as much. But I do visit, as you can sense me, from time to time.

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  10. A joyful Eid to you (after the fact; sorry). Yes, abstinence does make the sight grow clearer. Thank you for your insights, and your poerm.

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    1. Thank you ds! How is Aidilfitri in your corner of the world?

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  11. In my view when we experience life the most..
    we share that experience the most with GOD..
    and mileage varies of course in all the
    diversity of human being.. for some
    fasting.. for others service..
    and still for others
    just surviving
    is gift
    for GOD..:)

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    1. Kate…so true. It is meant to be so, but sometimes we are weak and only enjoy the joyous celebration, rather than appreciate the lessons learnt.

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  12. I do think you are right, Ninot! To fast from anything - whether it be food or poetry or ??? - makes us appreciate a bit more! Your poem is definitely 'food' for thought.

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    1. Perhaps that is why most religions practice fasting in one form or the other, Mary.

      How are you?

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  13. I believe you've hit the nail on the head - good aim and lots of wisdom here.

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    1. Hi Debi, so good of you to drop by. I love your poetry and thank you for your kind words.

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  14. Very interesting piece. I like the shape of your poem as well as it breaks with key words. There is much wisdom in the idea of abstaining to see something we have missed and to appreciate what we have. Loved this.

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    1. Loved your piece too. Thank you - I do hope to visit you more often...

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  15. This is so good! And you are so right. I love this.

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  16. "take a vow of silence
    you will find words
    too precious". My favorite lines. Nice one.

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