A Whatever World

Source: torontostar
“Whatever” you say
with a shrug of the shoulders
in a nonchalant way.

An overused word
it’s a perfect catch-phrase
dreadfully dismissive
signaling to all,
I am not in the mood.

Indifference stumbles around
waving away
offers of soulful solutions
in a tide of boredom
creeping to another shore.

Bombarded by jarring news
apathy tunes out
the endless noisy graffiti staring at us
as protection wraps around
the core of me.

The passionless word
occupies the now world
growing contagious
in a bewildered twilight
of appalling paralysis.

A knock on the door
awakens me out of a lukewarm trance*
to the Spirit moving gently
cajoling me into building God’s kingdom
brick by beautiful brick
lest I am spittle on the floor of nothingness.

And the detached fugitive
sitting in an unnamed moment
is stirred into action
by the intimacy of surrender.

*“So then, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of my mouth.”

                                                            (Revelation 3:16)

Viola Athaide, a student of Theology, is actively involved in parish life, leading Bible courses, the Prayer Group, and the Ministry with Maturing Adults.

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12 Comments
  • Gilbert Verrier
    Posted at 08:31h, 01 December Reply

    Thank you for the article. But I often say “Whatever.”: and (very?) oddly enough, almost always as a direct result of Ignation indifference.

  • Tonis
    Posted at 13:07h, 01 December Reply

    Thanks for sharing Viola, I look forward to your poems, many blessings, tonis.

  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 13:23h, 01 December Reply

    Thank. you Viola!

  • Dominicus Susilo
    Posted at 15:36h, 01 December Reply

    very true, Viola. That is why, I hardly use this phrase in my response except for my wife’s cooking. Because, whatever she prepared or going to prepare for me, is definitely with Love. Therefore, I always enjoy….

  • Jacqui
    Posted at 07:17h, 02 December Reply

    God has blessed you with an incredible gift. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.

  • Ben Lobo
    Posted at 11:25h, 02 December Reply

    Viola, this is a very deep and well composed poem. Thank you. For a person like myself, one who tends to procrastinate, this is a ‘cajoling’ to action. In prayer, ‘whatever’ is holy indifference as Gilbert states; elsewhere it is indecisiveness.

  • Sylvia Lee
    Posted at 13:06h, 03 December Reply

    Thank you for sharing your poem, Viola.

    The word “Whatever” will not be in the Advent season. Instead, we are more positive and we will be alert while waiting for Christ to come.

    Happy Advent !

  • Doreen Pinto
    Posted at 14:01h, 03 December Reply

    Beautiful poem Viola. ‘Whatever’ says ‘I don’t care’ to me. I know of many who feel quite hurt when the word is used to show a lack of interest in what they are saying or doing. You are right, many have become lukewarm.

  • Dileep Athaide
    Posted at 06:11h, 04 December Reply

    Another poem from Viola … whatever! Just joking, as I am always open to another helping of your IgNation offerings; many thanks. Although I don’t recall ever using the word, following on the thread of Gilbert and Ben, I wish I were more open to having that ignation attitude of “whatever”, especially when facing adversarial or perplexing situations that require a more immediate acceptance. Looking forward to your next poem … whenever!

  • Ralph Pais
    Posted at 01:53h, 07 December Reply

    Lovely poem Viola. You really analysed the deep indifference seeped into this world.

  • Fay Vaz
    Posted at 23:56h, 07 December Reply

    Viola, all use this word so frequently but never realize the impact it can have on others – you have taken this word and elaborated on it so well – its now food for thought! will think twice if I say it and if I hear it will have to decipher what the other person’s message is !
    Thanks you for always sharing interesting articles. You are guided by the Holy Spirit. God Bless you

  • Ana Maria Rodriguez
    Posted at 21:02h, 23 April Reply

    Exactly!!!!! Viola
    This word hits the heart so hard that it goes to the soul as well to hit it!
    Thank you Viola!!!!!

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