The ties that bind us, one to another, are invisible. We are linked
to everything and everyone by a web of interconnectedness. Harm one and
you harm all.Today as the world continues to shrink at an alarming rate, this phenomenon is more and more obvious. We cannot escape the consequence of our failure to recognize this very simply fact.
In a Chatham cemetery I saw this concept beautifully depicted through the granite posts and rusted chains that criss-crossed a large section. Seeing a metaphor so clearly depicted is not that common...most are much more subtle. Don't go looking for them...let them find you. It is always a delight when you stumble across one. I was reminded of an old passage written in 1624. It seems very appropriate for today...
No Man Is An Island
No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
- John Donne, 1624
2 comments:
That is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
That is really beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
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