CARANDO, MICAH WORLD LIT

T.H.A. #2 4/17/12

On Pain by Kahlil Gibran

From the title alone, it can be deduced that the theme centers on the authors perception and interpretation of pain. My first thoughts were How can he address pain in its literal and figurative implication? and How can the physical sensitivity of pain translate fluidly into words? I admit, I was slightly dazed on how can this ache be simply explained by a few colorful words. The words the breaking of the soul... for me, serves as the concise definition on how pain begins. It is allowing ones self to acknowledge that life isnt a big bubble of happiness but rather, a bulk of Swiss cheese- holed with trials and struggles. The idea that without pain, joy is improbable lingered throughout the poem. I agree, living wouldnt be attained if one will perpetually shield himself from ever touching the mere idea of feeling extreme suffering, but pain should never be equated with the words bad or wrong because I know being conscious of, receiving it or purposely exposing ones self, allowing to be utterly vulnerable to it, is welcoming the pain, not as a hindrance, but as a stepping stone or a harness of some sort to prepare and protect one for even greater aspects of life. Gibrans words, Much of your pain is self-chosen is quite prophetic. Pain is so much more than a feeling. It is a facet of ones self. Clearly it is up to us whether we let emotional pain to grow deeper into physical pain, whether we let it rule or define us. It is in ones hands to decide whether he interprets pain in its conventional meaning or to apply it to suit his own experiences. Through the phrase, the physician within you heals your sick self it can be seen that it is pretty much laid to our hands. We have no control over feeling pain, but we have the discretion to choose to heal and grow.