The River of Permanence
It is not possible to step
Into the same river twice,
Said Heraclitus of Ephesus.
Since other and yet other waters
Keep flowing on,
The river is never the same.
And like the river,
Everything in the world
Is in constant change and flux.
Nonsense! Retorted Parmenides
Of Elea. Nothing is in flux.
Things never change, he said,
The world is permanent.
Objects of thought and speech
Must exist all the time.
They cannot change
Because change consists in
Things coming into being,
Or ceasing to exist;
Whereas words have
An immutable meaning.
Of course a table differs from a chair
Parmenides continued,
And so does the nightingale
From the elephant.
Or the land from the sky.
However,
We live in an illusionary world.
Things only appear to be different.
And mind you,
There are no opposites in the world.
For warm means merely not cold
And dark means no light.
More than a century later,
Aristotle scratched his head rumbling:
Is not this talk a next door to madness?
After all even a lunatic
Would not confuse fire with ice.
How can one argue,
From thought and language
As a frame of reference
To the world at large?
How can one reconcile
The existential with the copulative?
The past with the future?
Tell us Parmenides,
How can Socrates be alive
If he is dead?
Yet Parmenides
Remained unperturbed and smiled.
Your logic, Aristotle, is not flawless.
It does not hold water.
Look:
On a deeper level of reality
Things are always the same,
Belonging to an ultimately
Homogeneous cosmos.
In the final analysis
There is neither past nor future
Only an eternal present.
When you refer to Socrates
Your memory unfolds
Not in the past but in the present.
Your recollection happens now,
Right in this moment,
Immortalizing him.
poem by Paul Hartal
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Related quotes
Talking Back to Parmenides
He was taller than I expected.
Standing at the white city gate
Parmenides of Elea patiently waited.
What year is this? He asked.
2005, I said.
All these years, he murmured.
Yes, I nodded, you were born
More than twenty five centuries ago.
You were writing in hexameters
About the Way of Truth
And the Way of Seeming,
I reminded him.
Yes, I remember that, he said.
My memory is as good as in my youth.
I used to delve into the Enigma of Being
In the quest for finding the hidden heart of
Certainty and permanence.
We were silent for a while.
And then I said:
I read in a Dictionary of Philosophy
That you believe that reality does not change
And is unknowable.
Well, I still believe that, Parmenides said.
In that case let me ask you this:
If reality is unknowable
Then how do you know
That it does not change?
poem by Paul Hartal
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
When Will Things Change
the world is unworthy and things countine to be dirty when will things change. when the world is full of mess and people just countine to strees, when will things change. when the streets are some of our homes never knowing why were alone, when will the world change. people cry at night just to give up a fight, when will things change. when you need to cry and you need someone 'why' when will things change.
when the world is sour and people have way to much power, when will things change. crying about the past, the things that never last. when will things change. when the world around you is cold, and shared feelings never seem to bold when will things change. when the world comes at you fast and ever part of your stress continues to last. when will things change.
poem by Katie Patterson
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Change in Me
Why I need change?
for better or for the worst?
Any choices to change or not?
I need change when
There is an opportunity to grow and mature
Things being done the wrong way
Dealing with a world of change
I rediscover change
Change is the law of life
Those who look only
to the past or the present
Are certain to miss the future
I may change anything I want or don't want
But I can't change everything I want
My dilemma is
I hate change and
love it at the same time
Best of all
What I want is
For things to remain the same
but get better.
Lastly,
I need strong courage to change,
To master change;
Be the master of change.
Always I want change,
To get where I want to be,
Be the change I want to have.
poem by Lawrence Hiung
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
The Course of Life, Time, And Events and The Process of Change
Time or fate may separate friends, lovers,
But friendship or love that's true will ever
Thenceforth continue to live forever,
True love conquers the odd with its power.
As time passes by, things change with the time,
Every moment, hour, day, month, and year,
All things have their turn to change with the time,
Life, time, and events change with the years.
Everyone, everything, have a time and day,
A time to change, end, begin a new day,
Change is life, the course of life everyday,
All things change, and we change with them all days.
Only the Eternal one is constant,
All things in the universe, inconstant,
But despite it all, love is important,
The world may change, but true love is constant.
poem by Merlin Archivilla
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Across The Universe
Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup
They slither wildly as they slip away
Across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind
Possessing and caressing me
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes
They call me on and on
Across the universe
Thoughts meander like the restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way
Across the universe
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Sounds of laughter, shades of life are ringing through my open ears
Inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love, which shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on and on
Across the universe
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Nothings gonna
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Nothings gonna
Noth, nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change it
Nothings gonna change it
Hey yeah, nothings gonna change it
Nothings gonna change it
Nothings gonna change it
Nothings gonna change it
Nothings gonna change my world
Nothings gonna change it (nothings gonna change it)
Nothings gonna change it (no no no no no)
Nothings gonna change my world (nothings gonna change my world)
song performed by by David Bowie
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Change!
CHANGE!
With this world we slowly change,
As our priorities also rearrange!
In that way we can keep abreast of
things,
And not topple off - as the world spins!
Old order of things beget new,
With advanced technology we break
through!
As we evolve from our glorious past, -
The past doesn’t entirely forsake us!
With every change we make a new
start!
Adapting to change has become an Art!
But can someone tell me honest and true,
With all those technical break throughs, -
Has there been any change of heart? !
- - Raj Nandy
- 23 Mar 09
(NEWS PAPER REPORTED - AN ARTIFICIAL HEART
HAS BEEN PERFECTED IN INDIA)
-
A Reality
If today in your feeling tone I am Saint
then tomorrow if your feelings change
I can then be transformed into Satan.
If I am steady most and not either
then clearly then Reality for me is the same
and your feelings about me must be in disconnect
and not rooted in who I really am.
If Mind changes its stripes
and truth today can become tomorrow false
how then is Mind rooted in Reality, which we agree
undergoes no change.
If spirit too can vacillate from exaltation to low depression
what is then steady most in our universe?
If all of the elements in our periodic table are in constant flux
losing and gaining electrons
and existing one minute but not the next
what then is the nature of any Unchanging Reality?
Clearly then all is in flux and who I am today may not be
who I will be tomorrow.
Good news this and bad news too, because how can I predict
the who I will be and if I will like Who Now better than Who Tomorrow?
Some question then if all things change, then what then is doing the changing; they point to Consciousness. If things change who is tracking steady-state all that changes and recording it? The self? Is Self and Consciousness that steady state beneath all things changing? Or do they too change from time to time?
Puzzling this.
So when one is told 'Get in touch with Reality' what the hell could that possibly mean-yours, mine today, mine tomorrow, yours now, or yours which will will surely change tomorrow too?
poem by Lonnie Hicks
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
~ Aristotle ~ Niv ~
~ Aristotle ~ Niv ~
Ms. Nivedita
UK
29 September 2010.
Aristotle siphoning ~
Only thing I know
I know nothing.
Niv quipping ~
Why I know everything
Of nothing?
Aristotle viewing ~
It’s we see
By means of eyes.
Niv previewing ~
Eyes can’t see if what
Of we is absentee?
Aristotle employing ~
All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind
Niv unemploying ~
How paid jobs bunk and degrade mind?
Aristotle saccharining ~
Change in all things is sweet
Niv bittering ~
For sweetening why change things?
Aristotle teaching ~
Education is the best provision for old age
Niv rejoindering ~
Does education proviso promoter of old age?
Aristotle positing ~
Happiness depends upon ourselves
Niv dis-positing ~
What of ourselves not owning happiness?
Aristotle mystifying ~
In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.
Niv questing ~
Why not marvelousness in every thing in nature?
To Aristotle ~ We owe why?
For Niv ~ We low blow all awe why?
Readers ~ You?
~~~
Copyright reserved by author.
poem by Ms. Nivedita Bagchi Spc. Uk.
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Time and Experience
I found the past in my present
I built the future on my past
I found the gift of today
When I thought about what
The future has to offer
Where is the wisdom in experience
If there is no folly in wisdom
What's the real meaning of death
If our spirits live forever
Times never change
But circumstances do
I'll let mystery play with the future
Surprises couple with the present
And experience mourn the past
Because sun always rises from the east
And each day always comes to an end
Experience is not chained to wisdom
Nor is folly tied to bad results
But to the circumstances that burden
Our past, present and future because
Time is always anxious for the future
Experience loves the present
And wisdom never divorces the past
poem by Benaiah Sondashi
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Change The World (demo 1)
We can change the world...
The difference is in the way...
The difference is in the way we are as people
The difference is the sum of what we are
So look at the things that join us together
And take away the things that pull us apart
Ooh, we can change the world...
The light that draws us through the tunnel of perception
Is brighter than the light
That makes us shield our eyes
Just believe in the idea and its purity
No need to question its source,
No need for lies
Ooh, we can change the world...
Love of my life, we can change the world...
We can change...
Changes...
The magnetism
That you feel inside
Draws you closer
To the heart of the matter
And the wisdom
That you see outside
Is only a mattter
Of learning
And forgetting
Ooh, we can change the world...
Love of my life, we can change the world...
Lyrics: gold, hine
song performed by by Alphaville
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Change The World
We can change the world...
The difference is in the way...
The difference is in the way we are as people
The difference is the sum of what we are
So look at the things that join us together
And take away the things that pull us apart
Ooh, we can change the world...
The light that draws us through the tunnel of perception
Is brighter than the light
That makes us shield our eyes
Just believe in the idea and its purity
No need to question its source,
No need for lies
Ooh, we can change the world...
Love of my life, we can change the world...
We can change...
Changes...
The magnetism
That you feel inside
Draws you closer
To the heart of the matter
And the wisdom
That you see outside
Is only a mattter
Of learning
And forgetting
Ooh, we can change the world...
Love of my life, we can change the world...
Lyrics: gold, hine
song performed by by Alphaville
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
In Our Small Way
Refrain
Maybe you and I cant do great things
We may not change the world in one day
But we still can change some things today...
In our small way
Empty words are not enough
Where theres hurt well be a crush
When theres thirst well fill each others cup
Because we care we love enough to share
Refrain
Maybe you and I cant do great things
We may not change the world in one day
But we still can change some things today...
In our small way
In despair well be the hope
And the prayer that frees the soul
Well be there to share each lonely road
Because we love, I know
We care enough
Refrain
Maybe you and I cant do great things
We may not change the world in one day
But we still can change some things today...
In our small way
Just a little time is all it takes
What a difference just a smile can make, youll see
Love is all we need
Refrain
Maybe you and I cant do great things
We may not change the world in one day
But we still can change some things today...
In our small way
song performed by by Michael Jackson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Time
Who knows about the future? Who knows what we'll find?
What good and bad things are in store by chance or design?
What can be done today to alter the future's course?
If truth be known you alone rule effects of its force.
Today at work or play only the present exists.
A wise world has no room for a past-present-future tryst.
Each future hour, joyful or dour, will never arrive.
The future will be the future as long as you're alive
The past is gone forever never to steal today's times,
Unless could-have-been memories commit awful crimes.
So love and live each instant of each and every day.
You have so little time as each moment passes away.
poem by Gregory Huyette
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Regretting The Past
Everyday I wonder if the choices I made were right
Reliving those times in my memories
Over and over until I doubt my reasons why
Nothing can stop me from going in the future
Or change what I'll do that very second in the present
My choices can not even take me back to the past
I never understand why everything doesn't change when it happens
Allowing me another chance to correct my mistakes
Without looking back into the past that I sometimes will despise
Though I can't change how things happen in my life
Why is it hard to change what I have already done
Reliving the day and changing the future
poem by Sarah Bruun
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
A Time Machine Mind!
Human mind, dreams, vision and imagination
Can transport one forward and backward in time.
Mind is the time machine to go to past and future
But time never goes backward but only forward;
Also, time never goes in circle but only straight!
Recollection of past is possible in the present;
Visualization of future is possible in the present;
But one cannot go to the past or future ever now!
Hour glass can show the time like clock of today
But it cannot bring back the past to reality now
Or bring to our vision the future of world now!
Mind is the time machine that can read history;
Mind is the same machine to see the future too;
But time never goes to the past but only to future!
poem by Ramesh T A
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
my Mom
I know things change,
But this change was meant for you.
I know others just listen to what I say,
But the one really believing is you.
I know I live,
But the river of inspiration is you.
I know the world moves on,
But the one who cares for me is you.
Thanks mom, thanks for loving so much,
Thanks for making my world of my dreams.
poem by Saurabh Chitranshi
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
We Are Here To Change The World
(from captain eo)
Were on a mission
In the everlasting light that shines
A revelation
Of the truth in chapters of our minds
So long, bad times
Were gonna shake it up and break it up
Were sharing light brighter than the sun
Hello , good times
Were here to simulate, eliminate
An congregate, illuminate
(we are here to change the world)
Gonna change the world, hee
(we are here to change the world)
Gonna change the world, ooo
So do surrender
cause the powers deep inside my soul
Sing it
(we are here to change the world)
Gonna change the world, sing it
(we are here to change the world)
Hee, gonna change the world, ooo
(we are here to change the world)
Were gonna change the world, girl
(we are here to change the world)
My brothers my brother na
Were gonna change the world
(we are here to change the world)
Hee, deep down in my body,
Deep down in my soul, baby
(we are here to change the world)
Hee, were gonna change the world,
Ooo
song performed by by Michael Jackson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
As the Future Takes Over the Past
What is the past,
but the past
And the present,
but the present?
It is the future that
one must focus on.
Release your past
let it roll off your shoulders
yet in the end if crying
is what you need to do,
then cry release
your sadness
release your
problems
Grasp the future
with both hands
and don't let go.
Feel the future
change you
and allow the change
to come as the future
takes over
the past
At the present moment, the security of coherent philosophy, which existed from Parmenides to Hegel, is lost.
quote by Karl Jaspers
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
When you know ‘yourself'…. You not there to know it!
How do you know, you know yourself!
Through the spectacles of the audience
Those words not from your guts
The heresies not from your rationale…
And you are defined!
Interjections that stun…
What do you say, you are?
Thought within?
What you caught? Yourself?
Which self?
Every moment of introspection
Sprouts a new You. Then…
What do you say, you are?
Are you the self that changes?
Or are you the Change between the selves?
Since, the Change seems the sole permanence;
The Change that keeps you moving -
Movement is your nature,
That's your life - you are, then, the Change!
The Change that leads you to the Unchanging,
At that Unchanging you cease to change.
And be the Unchanging yourself.
You are thus the Change…
…till you cease to change
And become the Unchanging One!
When you know yourself…
You will not be here to know it.
The moment you know, you cease to live,
Since, you live only to discover yourself…
Life and Change be the things
Always by your side
Ask them, who you are at that moment…
Lest you must be the life
You must be the Change.
To know the Absolute you -
Imperative it is to know and experience
The every momentous you,
Good or bad, both are you -
Any ‘momentous you' if left undiscovered,
Delay the change to make you Unchanging…
Give away yourself…
Not to the ‘he' that observes you
To the Change that makes you meet your own kind
To the life that guides the change towards your varied selves
Deluded you must not get
By the scrutinizing eyes, words or thoughts
Guiding light is within you…
Hold on to it and know yourself…
The moment one claims to have known ‘his'self
Be sure ‘he' is yet not known to ‘him'self.
You cannot live to tell who you are,
That's being the very purpose of life.
Once you become what you ought to
You become no'body' in the world of ‘bodies.'
Thus, when you know yourself…. You not there to know it!
poem by Maitali Verma
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!