Out-figuring

I keep thinking
perhaps naively
but surely optimistically
and always consistently

that I’ll soon figure it all out

master the magic set of numbers
or words
maybe, more accurately, deeds
that will swing open the door

In I go — all figured out

What will I know
once I have figured it out?
Or more aptly, which answers will still matter?

Yet, more significantly:
maybe I don’t need to figure it out;
perhaps it’s a terrible idea, in fact

Or,
just maybe
the most uplifted level of out-figuring is simply doing one’s best
with the tools one has been given

And hacking with that axe
and drilling with other self-cultivated tools
into the hallowed place, where striving, continuous striving,

is: The Sacred Achievement.

If someone says, “I have worked hard, and I have not been successful,” don’t believe him. If someone says, “I have not worked hard and I have been successful,” don’t believe him. If someone says, “I have worked hard, and I have been successful,” believe him (Talmud, Megillah, 6b).