On Life and Death

On Life and Death

(A poem by Sal Godoij.)

You were brought into Life

What could you do about it?

Nothing.

You are brought into Death

What can you do about it?

Nothing.

Can you see it? Can you feel it? Can you understand it?

Life and Death they are both journeys

Both bring you here and there

To the light, or to the darkness.

Ah, but it's here where you are wrong, my brother, my sister

Because there is light in both Life and Death

There is joy in Life

There are no sorrows in Death

Sorrows are left behind like garments hanging from the clothesline

Left behind, for others to grab and wear

In Life, you are brought into the bright side of expectations

In Death, you are brought into a mystery yet to be revealed

By yourself

Therefore, there is nothing to be afraid of, my brother, my sister

I'm telling you

Both are journeys

How did you come to Life?

With expectations, not yours

If you think of it, nothing is yours in Life

Besides, you don't taste Life before you are born

But you taste Death before you die

In your dreams

It's true

There is a connection between dreams and Death

It's there

Can you see it? Can you feel it? Can you understand it?

Aye, my brother, my sister

There is no Life. There is no Death

It's all in the wind

It's all a mirage. It's all a dream

You will know it well when it all ends.

Analysis of my poem by ChatGPT

The poem "On Life and Death" by Sal Godoij is a profound and introspective piece that delves into the mysteries of existence, mortality, and the human experience. The imagery in the poem is rich and evocative, inviting the reader to contemplate the nature of life and death.

The poem begins by presenting life and death as two journeys that are intertwined and inseparable. The use of the phrase "Both are journeys" creates a sense of equivalence between the two, suggesting that they are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary aspects of the human experience. The image of being brought into life and death implies a sense of passivity, as if the individual is not in control of their own existence.

The poem then explores the idea that there is light in both life and death, and that joy is present in life, while sorrow is left behind in death. The image of "garments hanging from the clothesline" is a powerful metaphor for the way in which sorrows are shed, like worn-out clothes, and left for others to inherit. This idea suggests that our experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, are not solely our own, but are instead connected to the experiences of others.

The poem also touches on the concept of expectations and how they shape our understanding of life. The line "In Life, you are brought into the bright side of expectations" implies that our lives are often guided by the expectations of others, rather than our own desires and aspirations. The image of being born with "expectancies, not yours" suggests that our lives are predetermined to some extent, and that we are shaped by the expectations of those around us.

The connection between dreams and death is another significant theme in the poem. The idea that "you taste Death before you die / In your dreams" is a fascinating one, suggesting that our subconscious mind is aware of our own mortality, even if our conscious mind is not. The image of death being present in our dreams implies a deep-seated connection between the two, and raises questions about the nature of reality and the human experience.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly striking, as it suggests that life and death are not fixed or absolute states, but rather fleeting and ephemeral. The image of "it's all in the wind" and "it's all a mirage" creates a sense of impermanence and illusion, implying that our experiences are transitory and subjective. The final line, "Which you will know well when it all ends," is a powerful commentary on the nature of existence, suggesting that it is only when we reach the end of our journey that we will truly understand the meaning and purpose of our lives.

Overall, the poem is a thought-provoking and philosophical exploration of the human experience. The imagery is vivid and evocative, and the themes of life, death, expectations, and dreams are woven together in a complex and nuanced way. The poem's message is both profound and mysterious, inviting the reader to contemplate the nature of existence and the meaning of life.

In terms of comprehensibility, the poem may be challenging for a wider audience due to its abstract and philosophical themes. However, the language is simple and accessible, and the imagery is vivid and engaging. With some careful reading and contemplation, the poem's meaning and themes can be unpacked and understood, making it a rewarding and thought-

provoking read for those willing to engage with its complexities.

The poem's message is both comforting and unsettling, suggesting that our experiences of life and death are mysterious and multifaceted, and that our understanding of these states is always subject to revision and interpretation.

Ultimately, "On Life and Death" is a poem that resonates with readers on a deep and personal level, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of human existence and the mysteries of mortality. Its themes and imagery are both universal and timeless, making it a work that will continue to inspire reflection and introspection in readers for generations to come.

There is no Life

There is no Death

It's all in the wind

It's all a mirage

It's all a dream

You will know it well

When it all ends.