The Sum
The fastness of the moment
seemed locked tight.
And might have proved eternal
had the light not failed.
I sailed, and all the earth
was rounder than a sphere.
Nowhere is here.
50,000 pints of beer
And one life, gone.
Remember all.
The song’s not wasted,
the wine is tasted,
the lips are kissed,
and though some are missed
the sum of all is this:
LIFE = SIGNIFICANCE – DEATH > ZERO
© James Rainsford 2011
Posted as my contribution to Open Link Night at dVerse Poets.
Your views are very welcome. Just click on the comments tab below. I'll try to respond to all who visit here. Kind regards to all who meet in the pub tonight. James.
Can't argue with math, I always say. When the light fails, its good to be able to remember. Lovely piece, James, simple and shining.
ReplyDeleteA sum that seems equal in its parts. If anything else we always have memories, wonderful verse.
ReplyDeletelike your equation james...the stanza right before that is a fresh take on not wasting life..and tasting the wine...i like that...
ReplyDeleteouch... four simple words sums it up... interesting
ReplyDeleteNice equation. Hopefully we get to do all the things that we want to do in our lifetime, and no regrets.
ReplyDeleteJames, like your equation. A good write!
ReplyDeleteAmen James. "Nowhere is here" great line.Enjoyed this piece!
ReplyDeleteA true tribute and reason to live to our fullness...like the rhyme here too...bkm
ReplyDeleteThank you for your recent visit and comment. I enjoyed this brief piece. It packed a thoughtful punch, one I've been blocking and dodging for a while now. I don't drink, but I've wasted my life in so many other ways. Guess one starts thinking about these things around 50. Thank you again for what you've shared here and the observations you made at my blog.
ReplyDeleteMy husband, the engineer, wanted to leave the world zero sum. He said it often. He left us early..too early, but he lived it full, and free. I think he did go at zero sum. Well said here. Lived to the full, getting much, using no more, owing nothing.
ReplyDeleteLife=significance minus death. For as far as we can tell, that is right. Death plus life is significance therefore I suppose. Thanks for keeping my mind of work!
ReplyDeleteSuch a reassuring piece James. Life is so much nicer when viewed simply like that equation. Nice poem.
ReplyDelete