The Fate of Free Will

A fact acknowledged universally

Believes that Man is furnished with Free Will.

The proof is in the mind: we have the skill

To think, to choose, to be or not to be.

 

Yet whether such conducts us up a hill

Or off a precipice into the sea

Is not our doing but divine decree

That acts upon the actions we fulfill.

 

We’re merely pieces in a game of chess,

Our rank and colour signed and sealed at birth,

Our name and body all that we possess.

 

A prayer may flare with confidence and mirth,

A dream may gleam with promise to impress-

But heed the signs, and we shall wield our worth.

-EDP

Reviews

[Aura]

It was fate that something would happen... it was fate that I'd read your poem ;) but you bring up an interesting point , that free choice is just an illusion and that there is already a path created for us, that we will inevitibly take no matter how hard we try to avoid it. Thanks for sharing, i found it thoughtful!

[emipoemi]

I'm so glad you found it to be the case. I try to be thought-provoking in most of my work (especially the serious ones). Thanks for reading! (yeah, it was fate you stopped by this one - I see what you did there lol But it's more you chose to read this one, and fate determined what you would experience, eh?)

[Aura]

You are welcome! Perhaps thats the case, fate works in weird ways :)

[emipoemi]

Fate works in weird ways, indeed - you got that right.

[LJW]

" A prayer may flare"
Hits the ear just right.

[emipoemi]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[Coyote Poetry]

Some places in our world. Hard to move-up. I believe in the USA, opportunity. Here in Detroit, many had left poverty and became successful.
"We’re merely pieces in a game of chess,
Our rank determined by our place at birth;
Our stars predicting failure or success."
I believe we decide our life. Our limit is what we seek and what we can find. I liked your words and thoughts. Left something for the reading to think about.
Coyote

[emipoemi]

That's what I strive for with my work. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.

[Coyote Poetry]

I did enjoy and you are welcome my friend.

[John the Baptist]

Sounds like an argument for predestination. Or maybe astrology. Whatever, it sounds as though the game is fixed from the start.

[emipoemi]

read again, and you'll be surprised. but thanks for stopping by.