Thought for the Day (July 12)

Subject: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: Peter T.
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 09:28 AM

ON DEATH, WITHOUT EXAGGERATION

It can't take a joke,
find a star, make a bridge.
It knows nothing about weaving, mining, farming,
building ships, or baking cakes.

It can't even get the things done
that are part of its trade:
dig a grave,
make a coffin,
clean up after itself.

Preoccupied with killing,
It does the job awkwardly,
without system or skill.
As though each of us were its first kill.

Oh, it has its triumphs,
but look at its countless defeats,
missed blows
and repeat attempts!

Whoever claims that it is omnipotent
Is living proof
that it is not.

There's no life
That couldn't be immortal
if only for a moment.

Death
always arrives by that very moment too late.

In vain it tugs at the knob
of the invisible door.
As far as you've come
can't be undone.

--Wislawa Szymborska (Polish poet, winner of Nobel Prize, 1996). abridged.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 09:37 AM

" Pigs ate my roses!"------Lenny Bruce

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 09:46 AM

"If you can take the hot lead enema, you can cast the first stone." ........also Lenny Bruce

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: Lesley N.
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 12:28 PM

Nothing is quite as funny as the unintended humor of reality - Steven Allen

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: Allan C.
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 12:49 PM

"Death and taxes are both certain...but death isn't annual." -Anon.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 01:06 PM

The best cure for the ageing process, die young.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: Night Owl
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 01:26 PM

Shambles....could you please define "young" ????????

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 01:32 PM

Before the media and the advertisers get you to think you need the anti-wrinkle creams?

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: Night Owl
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 01:40 PM

hmmm....may need some more work defining. Just listening to Stan Rogers song "Lies". Do you know the song?? Useful information!! :o)

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 02:41 PM

Thanks, I will look it up.

Spooky or what though? When I got into my car just now, the track that played was Mark Graham singing Laura Nyro's 'And When I Die'?

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 02:45 PM

AND WHEN I DIE

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Jul 99 - 05:18 PM

Night Owl.

Did you see this song, one the subject of ageing? Autumn Gold

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: Night Owl
Date: 13 Jul 99 - 12:03 AM

Shambles...I remember the song from when you first posted...."a few branches gone...but the heartwood's still strong". The words stuck with me....ditto to Kat's comments on that thread!!!

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (July 12)
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 13 Jul 99 - 12:15 AM

"My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But, ah, my foes, and oh, my friends-- It gives a lovely light!"

Edna St. Vincent Millay