What will your verse be?
I first heard this speech whilst watching Dead Poet’s Society and the delivery by Robin Williams was filled with passion. The words, taken from Walt Whitman’s poem Oh Me Oh Life, resonated deep within my soul.
“The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse”.
This line stood out to me as a charge to all that hear it. A calling to use the time we have here to leave our mark on the world around us.
Not a day goes by without hearing about another conflict, tragedy or passing after a battle with illness. They are sobering reminders of the fragile and precious nature of life. Occasionally I think back to the first time I witnessed this. I was around 10 years old and I remember the day so vividly.
A couple of friends and I were playing cricket in my back garden, then they got a call from their parents to come home. After they left, my dad came back and said..
“something terrible has happened”.
We all left and went around the corner, a 5 minute walk, there this girl, with the potential to do anything she dreamed of, was being cradled by her mother. Tears streamed down her mother’s face as she screamed out for someone to help, whilst her youngest daughter asked..
“why won’t my sister wake up”.
Sadly this girl, Chantelle, lost her life in a tragic accident and the world was robbed of an angel.
Many of us know someone that is no longer here with us, who has gone too soon. Not a day goes by where we wish we could bring them back, however what matters most of all is that we utilise our gifts and talents to their fullest potential.
Ultimately life is what you make of it, so make it a memorable one.
