Our Shared Circumstance
Poem by Daniel J. Neumann
Life is some wicked,
Is somewhat ambivalent,
Is some fantastic—
Whatever we choose to see
In our evaluation.

Have you ever burped?
Have you ever wondered why?
Is that important?
What does a kiss mean?
It’s actually repulsive
Of flesh electrons.
We aren’t just machines.
And we aren’t just emotions.
We are so much more.

Sight should lead to care.
Compassion should lead to love.
Love is salvation.
Focus inwards and
Understand how your brain works.
Desire runs us.
What if we redeemed
Want—away from selfishness—
To procure world peace?
We can change the narrative.
This isn’t the only way.
