Busy Soul

BUSY SOUL

Like I would say

We've got ways to pay

We see it not a delay

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Name the days

It goes again this way

Suffering comes in phases

It could be as though you are busy

Working

Schooling

Killing self and burning candle

Like reading over probation

Like escaping mortuary

To the sanctuary praising God

I know of a priest who is busy

He is never dizzy anyway

Neither is he moody

He is just friendly

Too silent sometimes like an Egyptian Mummy

But not lazy anyway

I understand his way

He wants to be Holy

Yea

I really give them my love

They pray everyday, times without number

Fast like I will do in the absence of food

Supplicate like job

Interceding as if he fathered them all

Eyes still fixed on his job

Not to be haunted by the watchdog

I know of a politician who is very busy

He has a lot of money

But still not okay

He haunts with many

Sleeps with Penny

Make merry

With Mary

Which we know he won't marry

Like my friend would say-

"I am a political Messiah

Who comes with fire

Not to burn the good but evil"

Hmm

Many politicians said this

Ask the meaning of the name his son bears

Then you shall be so good to be like Him.

"Man knows no rest"

The day he becomes a man

Is the day his worries are begotten

It is the day his sorrows are conceived

And,

Believe me,

He is going to work his way to glory-

It is either death comes or rapture

AUTHOR’S NOTE

This poem is a deep reflection on the endless cycle of human activity. It captures the reality that from birth to death, man is constantly engaged in one form of struggle or responsibility. Whether poor or rich, religious or political, every individual is caught in a system that demands continuous effort. The poem is inspired by the observation that even those who seem to have achieved comfort still remain restless, chasing purpose, maintaining status, or fulfilling obligations. It is a meditation on survival, ambition, and the absence of true rest in human existence.

THEME

The central theme of the poem is the inevitability of human busyness. It explores survival, responsibility, societal pressure, and the illusion of rest. Another important theme is the universality of struggle, showing that regardless of status or profession, everyone is engaged in continuous labor. The poem also touches on spiritual commitment, political ambition, and the psychological burden of existence.

SUMMARY

The poem begins by establishing the constant rhythm of life, where each day brings another cycle of work and responsibility. It highlights the inevitability of effort as part of survival.

It then explores how suffering and busyness are intertwined, showing that people are constantly engaged in activities that demand physical and emotional energy.

The poem introduces the figure of a priest, representing spiritual labor. Despite his calm demeanor, he is deeply engaged in continuous religious duties, showing that even spiritual life requires constant effort.

The focus shifts to the politician, who despite wealth and influence, remains restless and morally complex. His busyness is driven by power, desire, and ambition rather than necessity.

The poem then critiques political promises and the illusion of leadership, showing how even those who claim to bring change are part of the same cycle.

Finally, the poem concludes with a universal statement that man knows no rest. From the moment one becomes aware of life, responsibilities begin, and they continue until death or a higher transition.

LITERARY DEVICES

The poem makes effective use of repetition, especially in the opening stanza, where the listing of days emphasizes the continuous and unending nature of human activity. This creates a rhythm that mirrors daily life.

Metaphor is widely used. Phrases like burning candle and escaping mortuary to sanctuary symbolize exhaustion and the transition between struggle and temporary relief. These metaphors deepen the reader’s understanding of the emotional weight of busyness.

Simile is present in comparisons such as being silent like Egyptian Mummy. This creates a vivid image of stillness that contrasts with inner activity.

Irony plays a significant role, especially in the portrayal of the politician. Despite wealth, he is not at peace. This challenges the common belief that money brings rest.

Allusion is used in references like Job, which connects the poem to themes of endurance, faith, and suffering.

Imagery is strong throughout the poem, painting pictures of work, prayer, struggle, and movement. These images make the abstract concept of busyness tangible.

MOOD

The mood of the poem is reflective and slightly heavy. It carries a sense of seriousness as it examines the realities of life. There is also an undertone of admiration for human resilience, even in the face of endless activity.

TONE

The tone is observant and contemplative. The speaker does not condemn but rather presents reality as it is. There is a balance between critique and understanding, especially when discussing different groups of people.

STRUCTURE

The poem blends rhymed lines with free verse, creating a dynamic flow. The opening stanza uses rhyme to establish rhythm and continuity, reflecting the repetitive cycle of days. As the poem progresses, it shifts into free verse, allowing for deeper exploration of ideas without constraint.

Each stanza introduces a different perspective or example, building a comprehensive view of human busyness. This structural variation mirrors the diversity of human experiences while maintaining a unified theme.

KEY LINES EXPLAINED

The opening lines about having ways to pay highlight the economic drive behind human activity. They show that survival is tied to continuous effort.

The phrase killing self and burning candle represents extreme dedication and exhaustion. It suggests that people often sacrifice their well being in pursuit of goals.

The description of the priest emphasizes that even those devoted to spiritual life are constantly active. His silence does not indicate rest but focus.

The portrayal of the politician reveals that wealth does not eliminate busyness. Instead, it introduces new forms of pressure and moral complexity.

The final statement that man knows no rest serves as the central message. It suggests that life itself is a continuous journey of effort, ending only with death or transformation.

REFLECTION OR CONCLUSION

This poem offers a profound insight into the human condition. It challenges the idea that rest is easily attainable and reveals the constant motion that defines life. By presenting different examples across social classes and professions, it shows that busyness is universal.

It encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how they manage their time, energy, and purpose. While it does not provide a direct solution, it raises awareness of the need to find meaning within the cycle of activity.

READER’S REFLECTION

As you reflect on this poem, think about your own daily routine. 

Are you constantly busy without pause? 

Do you find purpose in your activities, or are you simply moving from one task to another?

This poem invites you to consider the balance between work and rest, ambition and peace. It challenges you to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper implications of a life that never stops moving.

If this piece made you ponder the reality of life and human struggle, please share your thoughts in the comments, share it with others, follow, and subscribe to the blog for more powerful and thought-provoking poems.

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