Ittela’

This poem of mine emphasizes the nature of this universe which is pulsating with ‘information’ (or ittela’). A grain of salt for example contains a tremendous amount of information. The vastnesses of the Universe are filled with unimaginable information. To then exist without attempting to partake of this information even in a small measure is inexcusable ignorance and folly. Information is news, news of the universe in which we live. A lack of awareness of this news or the knowledge of the universe in which we exist is a travesty committed by unthinking and uninformed minds. There is a form of religion which sets strict parameters on human thinking, and dampens intellectual faculties. We exist on this only habitable planet in the known universe, and it is incumbent upon us to understand, to know how unique this place is. Only knowledge and information will enable us to try and preserve our planet’s natural life and its ecosystems. And the only way we can do this is by bringing up children who will become informed caretakers of it.  This poem is addressed mainly to those who are immersed in the literal culture of religion, and who do not look for meanings beyond their noses. Planting trees, for example, in order to redress the imbalances created by over-exploitation of nature, is not on their daily menu of concerns and prayers. They believe this world is a temporary abode from which they will transfer to their final destination in the ‘hereafter’. Much of my poetry is directed against this blindness. Ignorance is not bliss.

ittela