Problem Space Squared

A blue-green rock flying through time

A deep blue sea of mystery

A secret place evoked by rhyme

A long forgotten history

x

The children gaze upon the stars

The many ways converge as one

With our own words we forge our bars

We fly as birds towards the sun

x

And with our metaphors hard won

We reach towards the unknown land

Our journey may have just begun

But we will cross both soil and sand

x

We’ll face the loss although unplanned

Of time mapping the problem space

The signs are getting out of hand

We’re having trouble keeping pace

x

Slow down and ask, what do we know?

The pattern always leaves a trace

Although we go both to and fro

We’re never yet not giving chase

x

What frame of mind is best for flow?

In what garden might one find grace?

What figures in this garden grow?

And what expression wears the face?

x

Of space once born so long ago

In language it is manifest

Horizons glow, surroundings show

Through metaphor, who would have guessed?

x

And yet this problem space so squared

Is hidden ‘sif it’s for the best

That forays in are seldom dared

Lest we awake some deep unrest

x

But for our sake let’s hope we’re spared

A sparkless life without a quest

If for oneself one truly cared

One would realise that one is blessed

x

That one is what the world expressed

The youth within the learned mind

Has finally become our guest

So let’s explore each every kind

x

Of space from here to life on Mars

The space above the dotted line

Interiority of jars

The meaning underneath the sign

x

These snakes, although they intertwine

Around the trunks of sacred trees

They’re not, I hope you know, benign

So don’t let them around your knees

x

They navigate your heart with ease

And speak their words in silvertongue

You fall asleep but by degrees

The trap they set for you is sprung

x

So once again, you wake up lost

The fruit of sin has got you stung

Your consciousness becomes the cost

As by your conscience out you’re wrung

x

The winds of winter hint at frost

One forges for himself his cage

Until the line is fin’lly crossed

One cannot cheat and turn the page

x

The territ’ry of destiny

Is learnt only as one does age;

The space reserved for density

Is right here on this cosmic stage!

x

I hope you enjoyed this poem :) This was a prelude to an essay that I wrote for the Medium Writer’s Challenge called Mapping the Problem Space. If you found the content of this poem resonant or intriguing, then I encourage you to check out the full essay here. Have a great day!