Through my lifelong observations of the human experience, encompassing its trials, setbacks, and triumphs, and drawing wisdom from some of the world’s greatest minds—from Cesar Chavez’s struggles on California farmlands to Nietzsche’s contemplations in the Swiss Alps on the concept of God, from Shakespeare’s portrayal of human frailty to the works of the poet Baidel exploring humility’s vast pastures, and contemplating Albert Camus’ existential reflections—I was inspired to write a poem.

Painting Colorless Colors

Poem: By Alexander Siddiqui

At the outset, we stride into the boundless expanse of philosophical exploration,
Where theories bloom like constellations in the night.

Within the shadows of intellectual toil and the intricate weave of scholarly discourse,
Empathy often remains a gem obscured, awaiting revelation,
Veiled within the labyrinth of the mind’s sight.

Yet amidst the cosmic ensemble of ideas,
A guardian-like supernova emerges, casting its gleaming light,
A beacon of truth in the enveloping darkness,
A shimmering fabric of humanity woven with threads of enlightenment.

It reminds us that genuine connection with others
Resonates like harmonious notes,
A delicate melody in the heart,
A perfect symphony of souls in the divine orchestra of existence.

Approach each encounter as a celestial journey,
Navigating galaxies of cognition and perception,
Where understanding serves as a guiding pulsar,
Illuminating the path through the cadence of introspection,
A heavenly compass pilgrimaging the astral seas.

Conquer the hypotheses, elevate the strategies, and refine the techniques
Yet as we sketch life’s grand canvas,
Handle them with the grace of an artist’s brush,
For in the delicate art of touching souls,
We must paint with the palette of humility and kindness,
Our hands guided by the constellations of empathy and compassion,
Painting colorless colors of humanity.