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).