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My Work (Poem)

Updated: Aug 18

An angry boy

Poem Synopsis by Ms. Grace Gabbi


"My Work" is a profound poem that explores the concept of philosophical commitment, solitude, and sacrifice. It addresses the tension between personal fulfillment and the pursuit of higher ideals, ultimately choosing the latter as the more noble and meaningful path. The poem is influenced by themes of asceticism, existentialism, and stoicism, drawing parallels to philosophical traditions that prioritize intellectual pursuit and self-denial over immediate pleasures.
The poem begins with a sense of isolation and loneliness, suggesting that the speaker perceives themselves as fundamentally different from the rest of the world. The poem also features dreams as a symbol of the ideal, representing an idealized experience of love or fulfillment rarely realized in waking life. This fleeting nature reinforces the idea of impermanence, a central theme in existentialist (and Buddhist) thought.


The philosopher's life is portrayed as one of sacrifice, with friends killing time for a more noble end. This sentiment echoes the ascetic traditions of many philosophical schools, where personal relationships and pleasures are often sacrificed for a higher cause or greater knowledge. The speaker accepts this sacrifice, asserting that it is "worth it, in the end" to live as a mere vessel for something "truly greater."
The poem emphasizes the philosopher's primary role: to contribute knowledge and wisdom to the world. They have devoted their life to this pursuit, eschewing all other forms of happiness or fulfillment. The closing lines affirm the speaker's self-identification with their work, even if that means rejecting the comforts of ordinary life.
The poem also evokes existentialist themes of meaning and isolation, with the philosopher's path often being solitary due to the rejection of comfortable illusions. The speaker sees themselves as someone who must transcend ordinary human concerns in order to achieve something "greater, worthier" than themselves.
In conclusion,This poem offers a touching meditation on the costs and rewards of a life dedicated to philosophy, addressing the tension between personal fulfillment and the pursuit of higher ideals. The poem is both a lament for the emotional warmth sacrificed and a celebration of the intellectual clarity gained through such sacrifice.  

The Poem Itself


As I watch the world around me,

Flourishes in the one element that I have little,

I am reminded just how lonely I am,


It is strange, to used to only experience true love,

A feeling merely experienced once,

In over dozens years of inner ramblings,



I speak with followers and consultants regularly,

But only rarely,

For friends kill time I use for a more noble end.


I can endure this, as I have sworn to do,

It's worth it, in the end,

To use this life as a mere vessel,


And even though it pains me so,

I regret it not.

I no longer see the reason,

To be nameless, with shorts and a tank top,

Standing near a nameless counterpart, with equal attire,


Those who wish me to abandon, to ghost and leave,

Other than this -- I have little else, for, to live.

From the birth of year to its eve,

All I desire, is to be informative.


I thus abandon one else -- the illusory sensation,

Presented to me by the subconscious,

However, at least I can say,

That there was little waste.



I will, therefore, embrace the cold,

And prepare myself, to be served as a feast,

From West to East.

North and South..

A philosopher is what I am all about.

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Tomasio A. Rubinshtein, Philosocom's Founder & Writer

I am a philosopher, author of several books in 2 languages, and Quora's Top Writer of the year 2018. I'm also a semi-hermit who has decided to dedicate my life to writing and sharing my articles across the globe to help others and combat shallowness. More information about me can be found here.

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