Yoke of unanswered questions

They said an idle mind is a devil’s workshop,

So we used every millisecond of our time:

We surrendered.

“May we be completely used for the well-being of the planet.”

But who defines well-being?

How would we be used?

We were left unanswered.

They discovered means to reduce manual effort:

Tools, machines, computers, autonomous systems.

We were awed.

“What wonderful discoveries that save time!”

But whose time was saved?

What do we do with the saved time?

We were left unanswered.

They discovered new professions:

Entertainment, management, consultant, administration;

We take a plunge. 

“What excellent means of livelihood!” 

Spending less time at home,

Returning to only to eat, drink, and sleep.

How do we differ from machines?

What is a living human?

We were left unanswered.

We carry the yoke of unanswered questions,

Undeterred yet committed to them,

For, you see, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop

Whatever little time we have,

We indulge in activities,

Discovering new professions,

Easing old labour,

But creating new stress.

Also published at: https://iselemagazine.com/2023/08/30/two-poems-savitha/