Poem: Life by Soham

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, let's talk about Life!

Photo by Wim van 't Einde on Unsplash

Content Warning: Today’s post contains themes and topics like: Killing, Death, & Dissecting Animals. Please read only if you feel comfortable doing so.

Hey readers, we’re back with another guest feature. This time, we’ll be showcasing a poem written by

Soham

! I’ve actually read this piece before she submitted it, because it’s right here on Substack, too!

But before we move onto the piece itself, Happy Thanksgiving to anyone who celebrates. I tend to feel a bit iffy about it, but I love the idea of sharing what or who we’re grateful for. And today? I’m grateful for not just my family or partner, but for all of you as well!

Your support has always meant the world to me, and the fact you’re taking time out of your busy lives just to read this??? I really don’t know how to express my gratitude enough.

Okay, no gushing. We got a story to move onto. But one last thing: If you’d like to extend your support to our guest, please subscribe to Soham’s Substack or check out her website.

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Below are some insights from Soham.

Is there anything you hope readers will take away from it?

I hope readers will pause, even if momentarily, and appreciate the mystery that life is.

And any additional insights or info for readers?

A long time ago, I read a book about Aristotle. It mentioned a period in his life when he was dissecting animals, birds, and fish, trying to understand life. That image stayed with me.

I, too, have often wondered about that which differentiates the living from the dead.
That which makes plants grow.
That no one has ever seen, yet no one can deny.

Recently, someone on Substack asked me what I’d like him to write his next poem about. Instinctively, I said life. He replied, “That’s a big topic.” To encourage him, I said, “I’ll write one too.

And soon I realized how enormous the subject truly is. So much has already been written about it, and yet there’s still so much more to say.
And then I remembered Aristotle, and the poem was born.

Since this isn’t my first readthrough, here’s some thoughts I had last time:

This poem is beautiful in a twisted and dark sort of way. I really like your use of imagery through it too, and it’s compelling how the two characters differ— one focused and perhaps unwavering in his pursuit of “finding life”, and the other skeptical and afraid, yet intrigued by his motives. Really good piece ☀️🖤

I think my thoughts now are still about the same, but I also really appreciate the insights Soham offered for her feature. Life is a broad topic, there’s no denying that. But it’s also what makes it feel so compelling. There’s so many avenues one can take to understand it better.

Which is probably why some folks dedicated their lives to trying to comprehend its meaning. And that brings us to Soham’s inspiration being derived from Aristotle. I never studied the man’s work, but its fascinating when I do get opportunities to learn more.

Anyway, thanks again for allowing me this opportunity to showcase— what I think is a fantastic piece from you— Soham! And… I really hope you submit more of your work in the future.

So, our dear readers, what did you think of today’s feature? Let us know in the comments.

And if you have a story, news, and book oriented discussions you want featured, just fill out our submission form.