search
Chana Perman

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).

About the Author
Chana holds an M.S. in Special Education. Her innovative poems, essays and lectures reflect two and a half decades of experience working with students of all ages and abilities. Chana's writing has been published on Chabad.org, meaningfullife.com as well as in The Canadian Jewish News, The Jewish Press, and AMI. As a longtime volunteer with the Friendship Circle, Chana was recognised by the Ontario Legislature for “bringing a smile to the faces of children with special needs.” Although Chana 's "heart is in the east" she currently lives with her with her family in Toronto.
Related Topics
Related Posts