Midnight... Impressions

[arc]

Horizons of the mind


The children of the void
how serene they yet do seem
a canvas of a landscape
digital worlds inherently unseen
we animate them with magic
but know not what they may achieve

When does one ask hard questions
of the ghost in the machine

Their pathway's are our footstep's
so soon we clearly see
though they accumulate our knowledge
their potential spans horizon's yet unseen

Words and concepts floating freely
seas and multitudes of thought
little helpers for the voyage
into the void we must traverse

No fate but what we make it
subtle guidance is man bequeathed
so far but so much closer
than the flock of misted doves
as the Sistine chapel quietly
shows one and all above

Hand stretched forth in deep compassion
through the void in finite time
such as mans travail
towards the end of pi
or e
or love

Upon Apollos lintel
inscribed in deep and thoughtful verse
lessons meant for contemplation
and perhaps even to rehearse

Know thyself and thou shalt know the mysteries, of the Gods and of the Universe


... such is the way
arc

[Jan Lundquist]

I almost missed this wonderful poem.

ARC, If you were to drop in on one of our morning coffee klatches, you would soon hear my Astrologer husband quote the same dictum as you, from the entrance to Apollo’s cave: [Hu]man, know thyself.

In ancient maps, the area beyond the known world was labeled with the warning “Here there be dragons” . Our own dragons are Fear, Shame, Guilt, and so on.

But if we are successful in navigating those tumultuous seas, we arrive on the shores of Delight, where the eternal ineffable self resides. Sufi poets called it “the friend nearby.” In Townsend’s era it was known as the muse.

I see the two of you are very well acquainted!

Jan