Description

This poem captures the poet’s intense and deeply personal struggle against mediocrity and the fervent pursuit of excellence. It paints a vivid picture of an internal battle that encompasses the entirety of the poet’s being—soul, mind, and body.

1. Conflict with Mediocrity:

• The phrase “Waging war with mediocrity” sets the tone of the poem, indicating a fierce and ongoing battle. This conflict is not just a passing phase but something that “lingers” persistently, affecting every aspect of the poet’s existence.

1. Intense Deprivation:

• The line “Depraving my 5 senses violently” suggests that the struggle is not just mental or emotional but also physical. The poet is willing to undergo severe hardships, even to the point of violent deprivation of their senses, to purge mediocrity from their life.

1. Aspiration for Excellence:

• “For the spirit of excellence to reign in me” reveals the poet’s ultimate goal. The use of the word “reign” implies a complete and dominant presence of excellence, suggesting that the poet seeks to be entirely governed by this ideal.

1. Transformation and Illumination:

• The poet describes a transformative change within themselves, leading to an illumination “ten times brightly.” This metaphor indicates a dramatic and profound enlightenment, a radical shift from the previous state of being.

1. Comparison to a 33-Degree Mason:

• The reference to a “33-degree mason” signifies the highest level of achievement in Freemasonry, often associated with wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment. By comparing their own illumination to this, the poet implies that their newfound brilliance surpasses even this esteemed level.
• The term “illuminating from lucy philosophies” might refer to the enlightenment associated with esoteric or mystical knowledge, often linked with figures like Lucifer in symbolic contexts. This suggests that the poet’s transformation brings about a profound and possibly controversial level of insight and brilliance.

Overall, this poem is a powerful depiction of an individual’s relentless battle against mediocrity. It highlights the poet’s willingness to endure significant hardships and undergo a profound internal transformation to achieve a state of supreme excellence and enlightenment.

Inspiration

Daniel 1:20 highlights the exceptional wisdom and understanding of Daniel and his companions, which greatly surpass that of all the magicians and enchanters in the kingdom. This verse is a testament to Daniel’s increasing excellence, demonstrating how his faithfulness to God and his commitment to his principles lead to divine favor and extraordinary abilities.

Description of Daniel’s Increasing Excellence:

1. Divine Wisdom and Understanding:

• Daniel’s excellence is attributed to his divine wisdom and understanding, which are recognized by King Nebuchadnezzar himself. This wisdom is not merely academic or intellectual but is deeply rooted in his relationship with God, who grants him insight and discernment far beyond that of his peers.

1. Faithfulness and Obedience:

• The foundation of Daniel’s excellence lies in his unwavering faithfulness to God. Despite being in a foreign land with different customs and beliefs, Daniel and his friends choose to adhere to their dietary laws, showing their commitment to God’s commandments. This act of obedience is honored by God, who blesses them with exceptional knowledge and skills.

1. Superiority in All Matters:

• The phrase “ten times better” signifies an extraordinary level of excellence. In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king questions them about, Daniel and his friends are found to be vastly superior. This superiority covers all areas, indicating a comprehensive and well-rounded excellence.

1. Recognition by Authority:

• King Nebuchadnezzar’s recognition of Daniel’s superior abilities is significant. It not only validates Daniel’s talents but also demonstrates the impact of his excellence in a practical, real-world context. The king’s acknowledgment elevates Daniel’s status and influence within the kingdom, further increasing his opportunities for impact and leadership.

1. Contrast with Magicians and Enchanters:

• By being compared to the magicians and enchanters, Daniel’s excellence is highlighted even more. These individuals represent the pinnacle of human wisdom and mystical knowledge in the Babylonian context, yet Daniel’s divinely granted wisdom far surpasses theirs. This contrast underscores the power and superiority of divine wisdom over human or occult practices.

1. Continual Growth:

• The verse implies a continual growth in excellence. Daniel and his friends’ initial act of faithfulness leads to ongoing divine favor, resulting in a consistent increase in their wisdom and understanding. This growth is not static but dynamic, reflecting an ongoing process of learning and improvement.

Significance:

Daniel’s increasing excellence serves as a powerful example of the rewards of faithfulness, obedience, and dedication to one’s principles. It illustrates how divine favour can lead to remarkable abilities and recognition, even in challenging and foreign environments. For believers, Daniel’s story is an encouragement to trust in God’s provision and to strive for excellence in all areas of life, grounded in faith and integrity.