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Open Poetry #38
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The Will Fulfilled
| Open Poetry #38 |
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The Will Fulfilled |
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BROTHER JOHN Member
since 2006-04-06
Posts 386 |
Your comments are welcomed. The Will Fulfilled Zach, nomad, died--bequeathing in his will A sum of seventeen purebred camels to Three sons.The eldest, Kal, received his due: One-half the camels of his father's "till." The second son received one-third, with still The youngest son receiving one-ninth, few, But satisfied.Big problems quickly grew Dividing them!Try your quick-witted skill! In time a certain wise one journeyed by And hitched his camel to the camels' band, With eighteen camels' count to any eye. He gave the elder nine, one got six and The younger two, the will fulfilled!Bade bye The man and rode his camel through the sand! |
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| © Copyright 2006 BROTHER JOHN - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
BROTHER JOHN It always depends on how you look at things. Enjoyed |
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BROTHER JOHN Member
since 2006-04-06
Posts 386 |
Dear Seymour, This is one of those strange things in math. There is no way to solve the problem of dividing the camels as the will says to do without a camel being divided, which would be the loss of life. However, when the 18th camel is brought into the picture the solution is clear. I first read this story in a Sunni story book years ago. Scientists use it to show how some problems are solved, especially in quantum science. That is, an unrelated is brought into the picture to solve a problem. This is one of those solutions that is a truth and is stranger than fiction. |
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StevenS Senior Member
since 2005-09-21
Posts 945L. A. (Lower Alabama) |
This one made me smile Brother John! Enjoyed! :-) |
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BROTHER JOHN Member
since 2006-04-06
Posts 386 |
Dear Steve, Yes, this is a strange puzzle. I guess someone versed in math could explain how this "blessed" thing works out. Thanks for your comments. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
yes strange indeed but made me smile too |
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Jess Member
since 2006-06-06
Posts 243Washington |
I was happy to go along for the ride |
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BROTHER JOHN Member
since 2006-04-06
Posts 386 |
Dear Passingshadows, Thank you for your comment. I need to make a correction. This is a Sufi story, not a Sunni story. I thought it would be interesting to see if I could fit it into a sonnet form. This is far from what we call beautiful words. It is a puzzle that has a strange solution. This is one that teases the mind. |
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BROTHER JOHN Member
since 2006-04-06
Posts 386 |
Dear Jess, Yes, this is indeed a strange ride. This puzzle is a good one to get your friends to solve. Don't give them the answer until they try to find a solution. Of course, many know the story. It is far from new. |
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