More on Human ABILITY to REASON, Human RIGHT to CONSENT - Proem & Poem No. 104

Most likely to be published later this summer of 2019, my 11th book entitled appropriately; More 100 Proems & Poems on the Peculiar Human ABILITY to REASON, Singular Human RIGHT to CONSENT & Other Neglected Matters. The following will probably be included upon further editing, and front cover a slightly modified yet appropriate version of the previous....

PROEM & POEM No. 104 - What Is Covetousness / 1st Reprise

      As pointed out by Christ, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily (Lk 9:23). Later. Apostle Paul reiterated the admonition by denying the flesh with its passions and desires (Ga 5:24). What would be the proper response, for there are many passions, many desires? Are we to assume all are to be denied or most passions, some desires? And of course, if that answer is known, where do we start in what might be a long list of denials? For logic as well honesty suggest the universally observable human propensities towards error and excess, or if preferred the synonymous Calvinistic first-point regarding humanity as totally depraved, then denial of passions and desires by moderate measures (at least) would be quite a long endeavor if not nonstop till the Shakespearean shuffling off the mortal coil. 

      It is possible an appropriate initial step is to recognize moderation’s mitigating effects upon unrestrained passions and desires. The Biblical proverbs speaks of harms by eating too much honey (Pr 25:16), drinking too much wine (Pr 23:29-31), seeking too much one’s own glory (Pr 25:27) and so on, as well other religions of similar moderated behaviors. Taoist writings make as many references to moderation by various poetic metaphors and specifically practical suggestions; those who take long steps cannot keep the pace as well the sage avoids extremity, excess and extravagance. 

      So where does one begin, and why should one begin? For is the denial of passions and desires beneficial per solely the self-mustering of inner strength prior to acting out moderation, or are there as well ethics socially affecting as or more noteworthy to the former? Ultimately if studiously persistent, is there a prevailing principle or morality far exceeding mere lists of denials or admonished styles of moderate living?

      While theologians, philosophers also psychologists, much wiser than this poet, may be capable to identify specifics and strategies to remedy immoderation, that is, proclivity for error and excess or inherency for depravity, it could simply be by learning, discerning then curbing one’s own covetousness, minimally a significant effort towards moderation would ensue. Such a lifelong endeavor would not only benefit inwardly by newly acquired awareness therefore character, but outwardly as well per a noticeable self-restraint prompted by a resurrected respect and regard meaningfully humane towards others’ Peculiar Human Ability to Reason, inseparably, Singular Human Right to Consent or Not Consent on all matters.

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Weep under the willows, wallow beneath the poplars
Harps on branches bent, robes rent and cast upon waters
Wheat fields coercively let, lords crazed per the scent
Envying the laborers’ sweat, as the covet guilts consent

Yea the laborers no less esurient, tempted to begrudge
While predatorily begrudged, to avoid their fuckin' trudge
O the trodden trampled, coequally the trampled trodden
As socio-cannibals, all bled, vestments red then sodden

So goes the penumbras within heads per the conundrums
Emotively sustained, instinctively unrestrained the tantrums
Serpentine-echoing along corridors cobwebbed, shadowed
While academic hall-monitors align as whores in trousseau

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Come let us Reason. Peace is always a Choice.
Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath.

Copyright © 2018 by D.C. Quillan Stone