paradoxes
precious life
intense sensation revealed
--in mortality.
crave security
raise barriers, stock weapons
--feel anxiety grow.
What an interesting prompt this week. I was astounded to realize that I didn't really know what the word "paradox" meant. I could think of examples, like that old chestnut about the man who travels back in time and kills his grandfather before his own father is born. So it was time to do some research. I was astounded to discover that there are several definitions of paradox, and hundreds if not thousands of examples of paradoxes from the sciences, philosophy, and even literature. I was most astounded to discover that the original meaning of the word from its Greek and Hebrew roots -- something that is contrary (para) to the received wisdom or orthodoxy of the day -- is the least common usage of the word today.
It was fun to try to list all the things that seemed like paradoxes to me.
For more poems on this theme go to One Single Impression.
13 comments:
These are great poetic expressions of the prompt, and I like that you you included all the history, too.
Loved these - we truly live because we die; and that old politics of fear.
The Greek and Hebrew roots remind me that all knowledge is mutable. I enjoyed your work very much. So true on a personal as well as a national level.
Great post; I struggled with not mixing paradox and irony.
Hits right at the heart of life itself as paradox.
Thank you--beautiful.
Wonderful! Love these examples of paradox.
Peace,
JP/deb
Both of these are great examples. That that one sure rings true - a paranoid paradox. Our country has fallen into this a bit.
I too sense the irony of the situation: To save precious life, we stock up on weapons!
Good expressions of the prompt, and thanks for the additional information. Cheers!
hi sue,
..when u research like that i feel like addressing u as dr.s.greer pitt..dear dr.s.greer pitt ie..hope no paradox that!..many thanks..
Impressive post! Timely and paradoxical...
Terrific 'ku! Love 'em!
You came up with some really unique ways of expressing a paradox -- I enjoyed these very much and they really made me think!
Thank you for the explanations... even before I got that far, I had a strong sense of satisfactions from your 'ku. They are skilled expressions of paradox!
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