The Kidnapped Word "Why"
Misbah loves writing poetry. She says poetry is what makes her heart feels warm and light.
Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.
— Rumi
Why is The Word Why So Heavy?
I can answer a few questions very well, but I don't know everything. Yes, I'm not a fool. Let's just say I'm knowledgeable about a lot of subjects, but I don't know everything. Makes sense, of course, yes, right?
Questions like, "Why is soda fizzy?" and "Why is the sky blue?" are easy to answer questions. Sometimes people ask us some really hard questions that we couldn't even begin to answer for a variety of reasons. Sometimes children ask us the "why" questions that can be really hard for us to answer. A lot of times such questions seems like a challenge.
We sometimes really hate it. If there was an option to delete a word from the dictionary. I believe a lot of people would love to delete the word "Why". At least that's what I think because this word often gives us a tough time. Right?
We might not know the answer or might not know well enough to speak about it. For plenty of reasons, we often dislike questions that begin with the word "Why." We normally avoid answering, and may also avoid seeking answers to such questions. But there are some of us who run after searching for answers to these questions. The real question is how important the word "Why" is.
Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.
— Eddie Cantor
I Kidnapped the Word "Why"
I am the person, wanted to kidnap,
The very common word "why"? Caged myself,
And made the minute's freshness cry, mourning
For the death of its loyal dictator.
This morning, I found there was nothing to
Report. I didn’t find things to recount, or
Concoct, mind’s injury hem’n suggestion
The cloud and sun, still found in abundance
Sleeping through a prism, I saw many ways
There I see roads that shine with colors bright.
They have different shades of dark and light
But emptiness scent, felt was also right.
That hopeless distance between here and there
In addition, joy, have you ever felt?
I questioned myself what's that I’m feeling,
Running from myself, proving myself right.
I know you’re tired but come, this is the way.
— Rumi
My inner spoke to me to find a way,
I decided I’ll get up, and go on
Strolling down beautiful roads, that open
The gateways, and will welcome me in.
Will awake my soul from deep sleep, sleeping
For so long. The path that'll give me fresh breeze,
and the air to breathe, will teach the art to
Live in love. Making symbols unfolding.
The voice that speaks too loud, so clear to hear,
A vision so bright. Will give light, and warmth
To my doomed heart that sighs. Then I will be
Understanding this common word that’s, "Why"
The word that brings everything to question,
Possibly, big reason to invention,
Proving a lot of things, the Creator, the
Creation and all that in existence
There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why.
— William Barclay
© 2021 Misbah Sheikh
Comments
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 16, 2021:
Thank you very much for your beautiful and uplifting comment, Rozlin. Your remarks are always extremely encouraging. I am grateful for your thoughtfulness, dear sister. It's wonderful to hear that you liked the prose and the poem. Gratitude! Allah bless you and keeps you safe and healthy. Ameen!
Blessings and Love!!
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 16, 2021:
Thank you so much for your very kind and generous comment, Ravi. Yes, without a shadow of doubt the word "why" is a very powerful word as it brings everything to question. I appreciate your kind words and I am happy to know that you found it thought provoking. Take care and stay safe!
Blessings always!!
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 16, 2021:
Rosina, thank you very much for your very wonderful words. My cheeks lit up when I read your words. The term "bombarded" resonated to me. When you say "Why," it feels as if you're bombarding someone. When I was a kid, I used to warn my younger brother not to ask why because the term usually conjures images of destruction. Lol! I greatly appreciate your kind comment. Stay happy and blessed.
Blessings and Love to you!!
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 16, 2021:
Teodora, thank you so much for your sweet comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it and found it creative and cheerful. I, too, am a fan of the word "why," but I agree that it may be irritating at times but this word can also feel like a blessing at times. We wrestle with situations to figure out "why." Mostly It takes a lot of energy, but the results are usually pleasant. Right? Much gratitude!!
Have a great day. :)
Blessings and Love!!
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 16, 2021:
Chitra Di, I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed reading it. I'm even happier to learn that you liked the title because I was confused about whether it is suitable or not. It's wonderful to learn that the word "why" brought back lovely memories for you. I am a person who has questioned many things with the word "why," and I must admit that I didn't always get answers to those inquiries, but whenever I had, I have learned a lot from those questions. I think the word 'Why' is a wondering word that leads us to one thing or another. Much appreciated, Di. Take care and be happy!
Blessings and Love to you!!
Rozlin from UAE on September 16, 2021:
Interesting and unique piece of writing, Misbah. As I always say, I like the topics you choose for your hubs. This one is also your best hub. I enjoyed reading prose and the poem too. Thank you for sharing. Keep writing.
Many blessings and love to you, dear sister.
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 16, 2021:
Thank you so much for your very kind and generous comment, Eman. I am pleased to know you liked the poem and the quotes as well. Much appreciated, dear sister.
Sending Lots of Love and Blessings to you!!!
Ravi Rajan from Mumbai on September 16, 2021:
Very interesting and thought-provoking Misbah."Why" is such a simple and yet powerful word and you brought it to attention with this wonderful poem. Thanks for sharing.
Rosina S Khan on September 16, 2021:
As a child, I remember I asked 'why' more and bombarded my Dad with questions, and he patiently answered everything. But as an adult, I don't ask 'why' that much.
I appreciate your beautiful and thoughtful poem, Misbah. Thanks for sharing.
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 16, 2021:
Bredz, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me here. I also have explored and wrestled a lot with the word "Why" through out my life and I truly love this word but mostly when I use it. ;) Lol! Much Love!
Blessings and Hugs!
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 16, 2021:
@Umesh: Sir, Thank you so much for taking the time to read and for your kind comment. I appreciate your kind words of appreciation. So glad to see your comment. Gratitude! I am happy to know you found it interesting.
Blessings always!!
Teodora Gheorghe on September 16, 2021:
Very creative and cheerful! :) I am a fan of the question Why? but I must confess, sometimes there are so many why's knocking at the door of my mind that I get awfully tired.
Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on September 16, 2021:
An interesting read, and I loved your title. Thought provoking, and insightful indeed. Your poem flows beautifully.
Reminds me of my children, whom I fondly called question box. Although, I encouraged my children, and my students to ask more questions, honestly, some of the ‘why’s’ were difficult to answer.
Thank you for sharing. It was a pleasure to read this.
Nian from Pakistan on September 15, 2021:
You wrote an interesting piece. I liked the poem and the quotes.
Many Love and Blessings!
BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on September 15, 2021:
Misbah
I think the word "why" has been part of my vocabulary since an early age.
I remember asking my Sunday School Teacher questions each week...only to be told I'll look it up & get back to you next week.
I've always questioned everything.
I don't always get Answers.
Why am I here? I am sure there is a purpose & I will see it's divine uniqueness before I depart.
Great work gal
Bredz
Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on September 15, 2021:
The meaning of why is well explored, interesting poetry.
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 15, 2021:
Maria, thank you very much for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts with me. Greatly appreciated! I am pleased to know that you found this to be a thoughtful poem. I also loved that quote by William Barclay. Gratitude!
Much Love and Blessings to you!
MariaMontgomery from Coastal Alabama, USA on September 15, 2021:
A really good examination of the word "why". To ask why, such as "why did you do that?" often puts people on the defensive. Asking why we believe certain things can put us on the defensive, but it can also lead us to examine our own beliefs. I especially like that quote from William Barclay. Thanks for writing this thoughtful poem.
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 15, 2021:
Manatita bro, you understand me very well. I really liked your insightful response. I'm doing my best to stay up. I slip and skip a lot, but I'm grateful you're always here to guide and remind me. I will be forever grateful to you. May God continue to shower you with His countless Blessings. Amen! Jazak Allahu Khairan
Blessings always!!
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 15, 2021:
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and sweet response, dear Peggy. I am so glad you enjoyed reading it. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
Blessings and Love to you!
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 15, 2021:
John, thank you so much for your very kind and generous comment. I appreciate your encouraging words. I am so pleased to know you found this to be Unique. Much Gratitude! Have a great day.
Blessings always!!!
manatita44 from london on September 15, 2021:
An interesting poem Misbah. Why can trigger urgency sometimes as in 'Why am I here? Keep at it. You ll be fine.
Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on September 15, 2021:
At a certain age, many children use the word "why" seemingly over and over again. Curiosity can be a blessing, and as you mentioned, often great inventions come from it. I enjoyed your well-written poem.
John Hansen from Gondwana Land on September 15, 2021:
I often ask myself “why..this or that occurs?” Or something to that affect. But, yes, it can be an annoying word that often begs for answers you don’t have. This poem is quite unique, Misbah. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 15, 2021:
Thank you so much for your sweet and encouraging comment, dear Pamela. I truly appreciate your beautiful words. Much Love!!!
Take care and Blessings to you too
Misbah Sheikh (author) from The World of Rebels. on September 15, 2021:
Aww... Thank you so much, Mr. Bill. That is an extremely high compliment, and I am grateful for your kindness. You are one of the sweetest and most remarkable friends. Thank you sincerely for being so generous. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed it. Happy Wednesday! Stay safe and happy.
Blessings always!!!
Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on September 15, 2021:
I really enjoyed reading you unique poem, Misbah. I agree with Bill's comments. This does read like a song. I loved it.
Much love and many blessings!
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on September 15, 2021:
So very clever! It reads like a song, which is a high compliment. Very well-written, my friend. Thoroughly enjoyable on this Wednesday afternoon.
Blessings my talented friend!
