Here is another of my favorite poems, "Throw Yourself Like Seed," by Miguel de Unamuno. Unamuno is a fascinating poet who was quite vocal in his criticism of Franco and fascism. At one point, one of Franco's generals stormed into the university at which Unamuno was teaching and demanded him to keep his mouth shut, if you know what I mean. What was Unamuno's reply?
"At times to be silent is to lie. You will win because you have enough brute force. But you will not convince. For to convince you need to persuade. And in order to persuade you would need what you lack: reason and right."
The general shouted in reply:
"Death to intelligence! Long live death!"
The general then forced the elderly poet out of the university at gunpoint. Unamuno suffered a heart attack and died within the week.
The general's actions were a stark contrast to Unamuno's character, which I feel is present in his brilliant poem "Throw Yourself Like Seed."
His poetic entreaties are thoughtful and mystical. The message is enlightening. I love the image of people spreading (sharing) their lives, as if the action of spreading goodness and offering lovingkindness is like throwing seed onto fertile soil that one day can be harvested.
HIs poem lends credence to my belief that developing awareness allows us to be responsible human beings and more able to help and server others.
I also think his notion of work lends viability to the plain and simple truth that we are responsible for our actions. The Zohar, one of the Jewish mystical canon, teaches that "a person should always imagine that the fate of the whole world depends upon his or her actions." (II:42a).
Understanding and being accountable for our responsibilities, actions, and words not only enriches us but enriches the lives of others. Life ultimately is more consistently rewarding.
And regarding his wonderful last two lines?
"For life does not move in the same way as a group of clouds; / From your work you will be able one day to gather yourself."
The results of our actions are not random or fleeting as the everchanging formation of clouds. They are as solid and real as the grain and vegetables we gather at harvest time.
Throw Yourself Like Seed
Shake off this sadness, and recover your spirit;
Sluggish you will never see the wheel of fate
That brushes your heel as it turns going by,
The man who wants to live is the man in whom life is abundant.
Now you are only giving food to that final pain
Which is slowly winding you in the nets of death,
But to live is to work, and the only thing which lasts
Is the work; start there, turn to the work.
Throw yourself like seed as you walk, and into your own field,
Don’t turn your face for that would be to turn it to death,
And do not let the past weigh down your motion.
Leave what’s alive in the furrow, what’s dead in yourself,
For life does not move in the same way as a group of clouds;
From your work you will be able one day to gather yourself.
8:35:05 PM  | |
|
