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The Big Issue

A poem of eight verses with eight lines each

The Big Issue

Who can say what that is by avoiding to ask simple questions?

How do we best connect to the existing and moving world?

How much? To what? For what? With what?

Alone or together? Where and when?

Independent or joining?

Asking or listening?

Withstand or flee?

You or me?


We connect with our body, which consists of mass and energy.

We connect with culture, which consists of matter and ideas.

To whom of both give preference? Importance – yes or no?

It is up to me, up to you, up to us, up to them?

Independent or joining?

Asking or listening?

Withstand or flee?

You or me?


Connection seems to be more complicated than we meant.

Diving into complexity or seeking to simplify?

Immersing ourselves or analyzing whatsoever?

Are there guidelines or just nothing and all?

Independent or joining?

Asking or listening?

Withstand or flee?

You or me?


Does connecting imply only doubtful and dangerous answers?

Do or must we be afraid of doubtful and dangerous people?

Whom can we trust – opinions or people or ourselves?

Or is there no trust at all even not in myself?

Independent or joining?

Asking or listening?

Withstand or flee?

You or me?


How can I connect to myself without asking for guidance?

Is there an inner voice or only influence of others?

Maybe both of it and we just have to find out.

Is this a simple question or what to do?

Independent or joining?

Asking or listening?

Withstand or flee?

You or me?


Connect by fighting just for survival or a moral life?

Or better by moving around and completing tasks?

Good observation and evaluation of results?

Or putting meditation and fitness together?

Independent or joining?

Asking or listening?

Withstand or flee?

You or me?


Connection is needed in private and also in public life.

Are mutual touching and participation ugly things?

Having problems with different skin and culture?

Learning about the beauty of both of them?

Independent or joining?

Asking or listening?

Withstand or flee?

You or me?


Connection resides in eight verses each with eight lines.

An eightfold way can be modern and not archaic.

Our body and our culture both are eight-sided?

Not counting but limited diversity may help.

Independent or joining?

Asking or listening?

Withstand or flee?

You or me?   

© Copyright und alle Rechte Hans J. Unsoeld, Berlin 2018

No translation available

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