Commentary: The Garden Path. Chapter 1, Verses 5–8
Life’s fatal fact won’t go away
But fantasy keeps fear at bay.
In dreams I’ll forget
All fright and all threat,
To wish away the livelong day.
When faced with uncomfortable questions the impulse is to ignore them, perhaps using other more easily addressed concerns as a defense against facing what is of real importance. Who has time to think about existence when the laundry needs to be done. Being caught up in existential angst can be debilitation, it’s important to take care of the daily business. Daydreams and fantasy are also ways to avoid thinking about life’s harsh realities, including the sobering fact that it ends. They are also escapes when ordinary life seems boring. Chopping wood and carrying water are so mundane. It is healthy to focus on goals and projects, but it’s so easy to forget the daily grind, doze off, and indulge in what is little more than wishful thinking. That’s a killer.
In this world of wonder, I dwell
Like a monk within his cell.
Sitting on the shelf
Lying to myself,
A hermit crab stuck in a shell.
