Pages

Sunday, November 11, 2007

The Mountain and the Squirrel - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A poem by R.W. Emerson which truly showcases the problem of complexes in human beings. The poem depicts a mountain carrying forests on its back but cannot crack a nut. Where as a squirrel that can crack a nut cannot carry forests. So none is superior or inferior in this world. All creatures serve as spokes in the wheel of life. God merely acts as the hub holding everything together. The poem:

The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter “Little Prig.”
Bun replied,
“You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together,
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I’m not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry,
I’ll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;

Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,

Neither can you crack a nut.”

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Hope this blog becomes a food for thought to those who degrade other professions and think too high or themselves.
Sounds bitter and quite "HR" but their change in attitude would actually avoid the pollution caused in work culture. Sorry for bringing you down to reality from the world of Nature but I expressed what I have come across in the little experience I have gained so far.

Abhay said...

Very rite Dost...when God has made all of us equal then who are we to decide the Superiority or Inferiority.

Lorna Cahall said...

Takes all kind to make a world.

Unknown said...

There's no work, small or big, only the perception makes a difference. The Holy Scripture says that serve as if you serve the Lord. So when all of us are serving the Lord, what difference does it makes, in what ways? Dedication and faithfulness is all that is required.

Yogesh Prajapati said...

I am a teacher searching resources and I hav found your material thankx. I am happy and thankful for yor post Best of luck
My blog yprajapati.blogspot.com

Yogesh Prajapati said...

Thanks I like yur post Actually I am a teacher so I like Wish u all the best

Lakshita's Recreations said...

GOD HAS GVEN US THE POTENTIAL N TALENT 2 EVERY1 IN THS WRLD N NOW ITS R MERE DUTY 2 DSCOVR THAT N GIFT THAT BACK 2 GOD....

Mary of the Greenewood said...

Love this poem - I quote it often. Nice post - thanks! - Mary Schnibben
http://onthegreenepath.blogspot.com

Mary of the Greenewood said...

Love this poem - I quote it often. Nice post - thanks! - Mary Schnibben
http://onthegreenepath.blogspot.com