“Two Aspects” [#9/10 reflections on Stephen Greenblatt’s book – Tyrant – Shakespeare on Politics]
Two aspects here from Shakespeare’s’ thought
Are thought-provoking in this walk
Through ancient texts about today,
Wrapped up so well in Shakespeare’s plays.First, it’s the little guy who stands
Against the torturer’s cruel hands;
He gives his life to stop it all,
While nobles lean against the wall.Then, second, one cannot predict
The outcome of some action quick;
No matter how apparent it
Seems outcome will in triumph sit.For life is unpredictable,
Reactions uncontrollable;
For even archetypes played out
For different folks spell different routes.In these I hear two things at play –
“Where does one stop disaster’s way?”
And, “Life is complex; it’s a flow
Like water downhill – no one knows –“The channel which will prove to be
Of least resistance; so you see,
You have to make a choice each day,
Be willing to accept the way –“The others also have a choice;
In that, there’s freedom; actor’s voice
Speaks truth to power, and takes the hit,
And never knows what comes of it.Though minor player lost his life,
His sword would also give a slice
That got infected, killed his foe,
Though that the boy would never know.Lord, what I’m hearing in all this
Is “Bide in Me” – we’d be remiss
If we did not see what You do
As river bends in hands where You –Play out all things for good – I see
The Kingdom-layer is part, and we
Are body-parts where You can act,
As we, in You, do “This and that”.Thanks Lord for this.
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