CUSP

Thoughts about destiny

Cusp

We once believed in fate,

our path predetermined

to some future date.

Somehow ordained,

by powers supernatural.

But now we've moved on!
Our future unknown.

Janus like,

the electron exists two faced

its future uncertain.

Am I a wave?

Am I a particle?

Both - the truth.

The future, a toss of the dice.

each foot on the pedal

each finger on the button

each tongue on a word

poised on the cusp of existence

 

Some take comfort in destiny,

all responsibility removed.

Take heart!

Fate’s illusion

has set us free.

(Advances in quantum theory a century ago led to the understanding that the behaviour of particles such as electrons is a matter of probabilities. The old view that the universe unfolds in a deterministic or predictable way according to the laws of physics was gone. The commonly held belief in destiny or fate had been shown to be baseless!)

 

 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I love the way this provokes me to ponder the possibilities. I spent most of my life preferring to accept "fate" (not becuz I gave it a lot of thought, but becuz I didn't want to accept any responsibility). Now I'm way down the pike & looking back at the way it all spilled out . . . not even sure it's as black and white as you've drawn it here . . . but it's a fun bit of pondering all the same! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[alanwgraham]

Ta Margie. It must be comforting to believe in fate but as you say taking responsibility is a bit more 'grown up'. All the best for Christmas.
Regards.
Alan

[barleygirl]

A fun & loving Christmas season to you, in case I somehow disappear into my typical lonerisms *smile*

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Hmmmmm...so we are responsible for our own destinies??....so we have to be mature??...in every theoretical string of existence??...ok, mind blown!!- ha!:):) Excellent write my friend.

[Neville]

A very interesting take on what might be in store on an individual and maybe global/universal perspective and some of the age old uncertainties that surround religion, fate or karma and some of the new discoveries science & the acquisition of knowledge might eventually afford. Rant over, good write & nice read. Cheers, Neville

[Pete]

very thought provoking to say the least. we do know that we have a limited time so let us make the most of it whether random or predestined.

[Beccy]

I eschew scientific guesswork; it has a sinister and pervasive ability to change shape and form according to the latest trend; As did Janus who was something of a Jack of all trades. :))

I enjoyed your poem though and entirely agree that we should always take heart.

Beccy.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Becky. This poem turned out quite different from my first idea by I thought I'd put it out.read moreThanks Becky. This poem turned out quite different from my first idea by I thought I'd put it out.
Cheers.
Alan

[alanwgraham]

Hello again Beccy. I''ve been meaning to reply to your very intriguing review. I think part of the problem with attitudes to science is that today we are awash with all sorts of 'pseudo' theories that purport to be real science. Real science is totally based on properly conducted research and evidence and should never claim to have found the final answer. If the latest evidence disagrees it's time to change the theory. This understanding about what science is about is vital when it comes to discussing things like climate change. I'm assuming that you are referring to this kind of pseudo science that is not worth of the name. Some people refer to science as if it is an alternative to religion - science just means; trying to understand something, check it out, does it work. Apologies if I'm speaking to the converted!
Cheers,
Alan