On Body and Spirit and Purpose

One early summer evening, strolling near my home,
I ended up conversing with my neighbour’s garden gnome.
This cheerful chap stood silent.
Did he listen while I thought?
Well, does life have greater purpose, or is it all for nought?

Look, we both have bodies.
Your plastic, could be stone.
Mine’s distinctly fleshy, a murky pinkish tone.
Presumably you’re comfy; settled, always still,
No mind to stir emotions nor adrenaline to thrill?
His rigid smile continued, detached from all I brought.
“Do you have an inner spirit or some evolving soul,
Awaiting to be touched by kindly loving thought?”

Feeling rather foolish, when you consider what I’m at,
Talking to a plastic gnome with rather fetching hat.
I turned to greet my neighbour who’d ambled in to view.
“I do admire your garden, full credit where it’s due.”
I couldn’t say excuse me “I’m talking to your gnome
About life and its purpose’, they’d put me in a home.

The urge I have to question quite simply will not go.
Back home again, I contemplate sat on sunny patio.
It’s amazing what can happen when you settle, free of stress,
Mulling over questions.
That many to address.
It’s always unexpected, yet when relaxed I find,
That helpful, little thoughts, sometimes pop into my mind.

“Hello my son, I’m glad your home, I am the cockney gnostic gnome.”
It made me jump. No one to see.
I said “Hello”, now where was he?
“Your question on life’s purpose, of spirit and the soul.
Now listen mate with focus, I have this special role.
That’s right, I’m like an angel but awaiting NVQ.
Do listen for a minute as I know a thing or two.

Unlike my fellow citizens, I’m almost gnome divine.
My work is guiding humans.
When they relax and spare the time.

The thing old son is simple. I wish to make this clear,
You only have your body while you exist down here.
It handles earthly climate, can move and what is great
You’ve ears and eyes and thoughts and things to help communicate.

Why do you think you’re on it son,
This planet green and blue?
Could it be coincidence?
What else Is there for you?

The thought that proves elusive to many in their day.
Is whether we have purpose when viewed another way?
The word I wish to mention is spirit, soul unseen,
You have one, unlike gnome next door, whose spirit’s polythene.
Your spirit is your nature, the consciousness that’s you,
It carries on regardless, aware of all you do.

Should life be shared and loving with care and warmth within
Or is the aim the luxuries of massive lotto win?

While daft to some, please ponder,
Great purpose from above.
To expand the inner spirit in its capacity to love.

That’s deep, when you consider you stepped outside your home,
Then had a conversation with your neighbour’s garden gnome.

That’s it,” he laughed, “I’m off. Take care.
I hope this makes you more aware.”

Reflecting for a moment, the doorbell went – Ding Dong.
My neighbour stood there beaming.
“That dreadful gnome has gone.”
Transfixed and speechless .,,,,,,,,,,, What to say?
“Did he go in some strange way?”

“Oh no, we found his presence growing curious of late.
We took him to the village hall for next week’s garden fete.”