Beyond Existentialism Poem by RAJ NANDY

BEYOND EXISTENTIALISM!

This nagging doubt in my mind persist, -
An existentialist is a pessimist or a realist? !
Or is he like the Greek character Sisyphus, -
Trying to accomplish a futile task? !
Existentialists do not acknowledge any human
or immortal authority,
They agree with Sartre that humans ‘ are
condemned to be born free’!
They also believe in freedom of choice and
‘free will’ in all their actions;
Not concerned with what other’s think, or
their reactions!
In a world full of chaos and suffering, they
deny God and after life,
Even though a drowning man clutches at a
straw, hoping to survive!
In Arnold’s ‘Dover Beach’, on that darkling plain, -
‘Where ignorant armies clash at night’, all in vain!
Yet the Allies joined hands to rid the world of
Hitler’s scourge,
Faith, hope and coordinated action leads to
spiritual upsurge!
Let us all join together to give that rolling stone
a mighty thrust,
To send it across the hill to complete Sisyphus’
Herculean task!
Even though Albert Camus has written and said, -
‘life is absurd’!

Raj Nandy
- New Delhi
- 13 Oct 08
(BASED ON ARTICLES ON EXISTENTIALISM)