From the old site: Leisure

Friday, March 03, 2006

It's amazing. The human nature. Yes its amazing how we adapt to new surroundings. The survival instincts that got us this far - through the stone ages, through the Jurassic age and to the new age has changed and adapted itself with new times - but its still there. Within all of us.

The survivor's instinct taught me a thing or two I'll never forget:

a. Nothing's permanent. Things change and they will. If you can't change them, then adapt with them.
b. We're all walking towards that supreme truth called death And since we know where we're heading, why not stop a moment and enjoy the path called Life?

Philosophical as it may sound, there's a ring of truth to this, especially in this fast paced life where we're so used to getting bogged down by humdrum affairs that we don't really have the time to sit and ponder.

Like the William H Davies poetry - "What is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare, no time to stand beneath the boughs and stare as long as sheep or cows."

I have had leisurely moments though. On my way to work and back. Travelling in the bus or train, watching the city speed by with various shops, people, young and old, rich and poor, professionals and homemakers, all jostling with each other, lost in their own little world that's just theirs. Today, we're surviving... We'll survive tomorrow too. But are we living? Dunno!

And for all those who're interested, here's the full text of the Davies Poem:

Leisure

What is this life if full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich the smile her eyes began.

A poor life this is if, full of care
We have no time to stand and stare.