Poem Slow Dance

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Poem Slow Dance" by David L. Weatherford, based on the provided page:

Title: Poem Slow Dance Author: David L. Weatherford Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Core Message: The poem "Slow Dance" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that advocates for a slower, more mindful approach to life, urging readers to appreciate the present moment rather than rushing through it.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• The Fleeting Nature of Time and Experience: The opening lines immediately establish the central theme: "Don't dance so fast, the time is short / The music won't last." This metaphor highlights that life's experiences, like music, are temporary and should not be rushed through.

• Encouragement for Present Moment Awareness: The poem repeatedly uses the refrain "You better slow down" to emphasize the need to pause and truly engage with life. It suggests that by slowing down, we can better appreciate the world around us.

• Examples of Natural Beauty and Wonder: Weatherford employs vivid imagery from nature to illustrate what we miss when we are in a hurry. Examples include:

  • Watching children on a merry-go-round.
  • Listening to the rain.
  • Following a butterfly's flight.
  • Gazing at the setting sun. These natural phenomena are presented as moments of beauty that require a slower pace to be fully observed and enjoyed.

• Critique of a Hectic Lifestyle: The poem directly addresses common behaviors associated with a rushed life:

  • Running through each day "on the fly."
  • Not truly listening to others' responses when asked "how are you?"
  • Thinking about future chores when trying to rest.
  • Prioritizing speed over meaningful connection, leading to missed opportunities and emotional insensitivity (e.g., not seeing a child's sorrow due to haste).
  • Allowing friendships to "die" due to a lack of time for simple communication.

• The Joy of the Journey: The poem argues that rushing to reach a destination makes us miss out on the inherent pleasure of the journey itself: "When you run so fast to get somewhere / You miss half the fun of getting there."

• Life as an Unopened Gift: Worrying and hurrying are compared to "an unopened gift thrown away," implying that a frantic pace prevents us from experiencing the potential joy and richness life offers.

• Life is Not a Race: The ultimate message is a direct rejection of the idea that life should be treated as a competition or a race. Instead, it encourages a more deliberate and appreciative approach: "Life is not a race so take it slower / Hear the music before the song is over."

In essence, "Poem Slow Dance" is a gentle but firm exhortation to slow down, be present, and savor the moments of life, both big and small, before they pass us by. It highlights the losses incurred by a fast-paced existence and champions the profound rewards of mindful living and genuine connection.