Divining Purpose

Seeking the mysteries of existence

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash

I offer you two pieces today (microfiction and poetry) plus a quote from George Bernard Shaw.

This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

Sounds of traffic and the hum of life created a constant backdrop in the bustling city, where a man named Elias lived. He was a seeker, a philosopher at heart, always pondering the deepest questions that plagued the human mind. One question consumed Elias—the purpose of life.

Elias sat by his apartment's window each morning, holding a cup of coffee, gazing at the world below. He watched as people hurried by, their faces masked by a myriad of emotions—joy, sorrow, determination, and confusion. Each person seemed to carry a story, a purpose that drove them forward in the city's chaos.

Elias longed to understand this invisible force that guided each soul, the intangible thread that connected one life to another. He sought sages and scholars, delved into ancient texts and modern philosophies, hoping to unravel the mystery of existence.

While wandering through a nearby park one day, Elias came across a man with a weathered face and shoulder length white hair. He sat under a twisted oak tree. The man’s eyes held a depth of wisdom that drew Elias closer.

The man spoke, his voice like a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves.

“Seeker of truth, the purpose of life is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to be embraced.”

Elias listened intently as the man shared stories of his own quest for meaning, of the lessons learned through joy and pain, love and loss. Each tale stirred Elias’s soul, a realization emerging like dawn’s first light.

Life’s purpose, he understood, was not a singular goal to be achieved, but a tapestry woven from moments of connection, growth, and understanding. It was in laughter shared with a friend, kindness offered to a stranger, beauty found in simple moments.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the park, Elias thanked the man for his wisdom. He returned to his apartment, no longer seeking answers, but living as a testament to existence’s beauty.

Elias realized that life’s purpose isn’t a puzzle to solve, but a song to sing and a dance to embrace. Each step guiding him closer to the truth within his heart.

Where stars whisper ancient secrets,
and time dances on cosmic winds, 
in the vast expanse of existence,
lies the purpose of everything.

A single leaf, fragile flutter,
the symphony of nature's song,
murmurs stories to waiting trees,
paints the world in emerald shades.

Each raindrop, silent messengers
from the heavens above, 
quenching drought-stricken earth, 
nourishing life-starved roots
that usher in new beginnings.

Humanity’s kaleidoscopic dreams,
shows its purpose in refractions of love,
connections binding disparate spirits,
mosaics of shared experiences.

Knowledge, a guiding light,
illuminates understanding’s pathway,
unveiling mysteries of existence,
guiding seekers on their quest for wisdom.

In quiet spaces between breaths,
in the tender touch of a hand,
in laughter that echoes through time,
resides life’s true purpose.

To exist, to experience,
to embrace the fleeting beauty
of each passing moment,
in the intricate dance of life.

Threads intertwine, notes harmonize,
brushstrokes blend in the canvas of being;
each heartbeat is a reminder
of the immeasurable significance,
of even the smallest of things,
in the grand tapestry of existence.

Author’s Note

This posting was inspired by

Mark Kolke

and his piece asking, What is the purpose of anything?

Upcoming…

• September’s writing prompt:

  One Hundred-Word Wonders, 18 September 2024

  For those who want to get a head start, the theme and prompt word is JOURNEY. Write in exactly 100 words, a story, poem, or creative non-fiction in any genre, using the theme or prompt word. Pieces should be exactly 100 words, no more or less. The 100-word count does not include the title. Hold your piece until the 18th!

• My new book of poetry and prose, The Edges

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