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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Nanao Sakaki's "Go Walk Mathematics" blends a deceptively simple mathematical exercise with profound reflections on human effort, endurance, and the vastness of our physical and metaphorical journeys. By grounding the poem in concrete, everyday actions—walking—it draws a powerful connection between the mundane and the monumental. The poem begins with a straightforward calculation: walking 3 kilometers a day for 40 years. Sakaki meticulously breaks down the arithmetic: 3 kilometers multiplied by 365 days equals 1,095 kilometers annually. He then simplifies this to 1,000 kilometers, rounding off the extra 95 kilometers, and extends this figure across 40 years, resulting in 40,000 kilometers. This distance, he notes, equates to the length of the terrestrial equator. The notion that a modest daily routine could, over decades, amount to circumnavigating the globe is both awe-inspiring and humbling. This initial calculation serves as a foundation for the poem's broader meditation on perseverance and the cumulative power of small, consistent efforts. Sakaki suggests that what might seem insignificant—walking a few kilometers each day—can lead to an extraordinary accomplishment when viewed over a long time frame. This insight reflects a deeper philosophical perspective on life and achievement, encouraging a patient, steady approach to one's goals. The second stanza amplifies this theme, introducing an even more ambitious journey: walking 30 kilometers a day for 36 years. Again, Sakaki lays out the math: 30 kilometers multiplied by 365 days results in 10,950 kilometers annually. Over 36 years, this totals 394,200 kilometers, surpassing the average distance between the Earth and the moon, which is 384,400 kilometers. By presenting this calculation, Sakaki metaphorically extends the possibility of human endeavor beyond the Earth itself, suggesting that with enough persistence and dedication, one could metaphorically reach the moon. The choice of the moon as the endpoint of this hypothetical journey is particularly significant. The moon, a symbol of aspiration, mystery, and human curiosity, represents the ultimate goal or dream. By linking it to a daily practice of walking, Sakaki bridges the gap between the everyday and the extraordinary, implying that grand achievements are the result of continuous, incremental efforts rather than sudden, dramatic actions. Sakaki's use of precise mathematical language serves to ground his poetic reflections in reality, making the abstract concepts of persistence and achievement tangible and relatable. The poem’s structure, with its methodical calculations and logical progression, mirrors the steady, deliberate nature of the journeys it describes. This alignment between form and content enhances the poem's impact, reinforcing its message through its very construction. "Go Walk Mathematics" ultimately celebrates the power of sustained effort and the potential for remarkable achievements within the scope of ordinary human activities. Sakaki's playful yet profound use of mathematics to illustrate these ideas transforms a simple act of walking into a metaphor for life's journey, emphasizing the importance of consistency, patience, and vision. Through this lens, the poem invites readers to reconsider their own daily routines and long-term aspirations, encouraging a perspective that values the accumulation of small steps over time in the pursuit of significant, enduring accomplishments.
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