The Graph of Life

Ramesh Gautam
Norway

In the labyrinth of existence, we tread,
– At times, on paths simple, serene, and distinct,
– Elsewhere, on trails arduous, severe, and perilous,
– Ascending precipitous peaks,
– Descending into deep chasms,
– In hidden nooks and crannies,
– Venturing through swamps and bogs,
– Amidst landscapes naturally picturesque and modestly opulent,
– Seeking moments of ecstasy and purity through toil and sweat,
– Somewhere, latent-pristine-perfection converges with the void of nothingness,
– At times, traversing tranquil oases amid the parched desert of our journey.
These paths,
– Vary in scale,
– Exhibit diverse forms,
– Yield multifarious properties,
– Present an array of adversities,
– Sometimes emerge in splendid isolation,
– Sometimes dissolve into the annals of oblivion,
– Sometimes fade into nothingness.
A composite of positive and negative sigmoidal curves
Through countless ephemeral sanctuaries,
These are the paths we walk,
This is the curve of life.
[This poem has been translated into English by the poet himself from its original Nepali version, which is included in the poet’s collection published in 2022.]

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