The Cult of Mnemosyne
A Sonnet Not Intended For Memorization
Contemporary education seems
To emphasize mere memorization;
Which pulverizes the quixotic dreams
Of those who cherish real comprehension
Memory is precious and powerful
As we dwindle toward our gloomy graves
We have good cause to be very thankful
To hold fast what this goddess kindly saves
But we ought to learn, first, to understand
And then to call to mind what we know well;
Rehearsing what we have by rote is grand
Its meaning we should also strive to tell
Strive first to know and then to recollect
Indoctrination we should all reject
About the Creator
D. J. Reddall
I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.
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Comments (4)
Should we give up the entire school system and start anew. Kids are bored out of their wits. Lots that are learned are so unnecessary. Sherlock Holmes was right...don't litter our minds with unneeded junk.
Indoctrination is like a plague! Loved your poem!
I agree although I am grateful to Mrs Rees, my English teacher many moons ago, who made us recite Wordsworth and Hamlet's most famous soliloquy which means, like times tables, I have them in my head in fragmented parts to spill out if I so choose.
Your poems are always so creative! Love your work!! 💖