What Is My Verse? – A Thought on Life and Learning

Some mornings, I wake up asking, “Why?” Why am I doing what I do? Why does life feel like a repeat of the same day? This question hits harder when everything around seems unfair, broken relationships, missed chances, pressure from society, and even our own confused hearts.

Walt Whitman, in his short poem “O Me! O Life!”, asks the same questions. He looks at a tired world filled with complaints, yet ends the poem with something powerful: “That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” That line makes me pause.

We are all part of this play called life. And yes, it's tough. Life is not free. It gives us experiences but often takes something in return, our peace, our people, our strength. I’ve lost opportunities by trusting the wrong people. I’ve wasted years chasing things that never wanted me back. Yet, each failure taught me something that no book or teacher ever could.

Now, when I sit alone in a park or travel in silence, I think about the verse I want to add. Not a perfect one, but an honest one. Maybe it's my work with students, or the words I write in moments like this. Maybe it's just surviving and showing up.

Whitman reminds me that even when life sucks, it also gives us a choice to quit or to contribute. I choose to contribute, even if it hurts. Because pain is costly, but wisdom is priceless.

So, what is your verse?

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