My inspiration for “Everything has a Purpose” comes from Verse-Love, Ethical ELA, which was created by Sarah J. Donovan. Today’s prompt was from Linda Mitchell, a Middle School librarian, and her cat, Ira Gershwin. The prompt had nothing to do with music, but I do love that name for a cat. Maybe he purrs in harmony. Linda’s prompt involved writing a poem using the scientific method for inspiration: make an observation, ask a question, form a hypothesis, make a prediction, test a prediction, use the results to form another hypothesis. Easy-peasy, right? Well, no. This prompt took some thinking and some reading of sample poems.
I have been facing mortality lately. It actually is slapping me in the face, but I refuse to succumb to pessimism and negativity. I spend my of my day, earnestly pondering my purpose. I know my purpose has to do with children and writing. That might be purpose enough, but is it? Is it really? I feel very mortal lately, and I want to organize my days with purpose and delight. Purpose may be easier for me to imitate by doing lots of things on my “To Do” list. But is checking off boxes the way to a meaningful life? The more I think about it, the more I know cultivating delight should be my life’s work. So here I go playing with letting go and holding on.
Everything has a Purpose Everything has a purpose. What is my purpose here? If only I work hard enough, I will find my purpose. If I follow all the rules, Write the poem, Hold the hand, Paint the picture, Teach the lesson, Snap the photo, Make the dinner, Fold the laundry, Read the book, Listen and listen and listen, I will find my purpose. I will be so busy That I can’t help But find my purpose. Consider the data. What have I learned? All this busy striving Did not bring purpose. Purpose lies deep within, Something in the distance, Something curious and resolute – Between dreaming and waking. Hold on tight And let it slip Through your fingers. You will find it Out there one day, For sure, for certain. This is absolutely true.
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 
What meaty content to explore – you’ve done a fabulous job with this tricky format.
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I appreciated this lovely poem. Sometimes I find myself wondering about my purpose as I sit in traffic, fold the clothes, and prepare meals. I am constantly pondering how I can do more to make the world a better place.
Way to go with this format! That is a big accomplishment! (I’ve been struggling to write any decent poetry for quite some time.)
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Joanne, on the reread: Still loving the perspective of priorities and the meditative tone of your verse. There are days when one’s mortality weights heavy and repulsive in the time spent doing mundane things… yet many of these mundane things are acts of love: holding the hand, teaching the lesson, even writing the poem. You are a conduit of light to the world, friend, adding much brightness – definitely your purpose! Or one of many purposes 🙂
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Thank you, Fran. Your words so much to me.
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