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A Company of Great Men
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A Company of Great Men |
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gofor42 Member
since 2000-01-23
Posts 143Arkansas |
Buddhist teachings indicate that enlightenment, and therefore a type of greatness, can be achieved only by realizing that there is suffering, what that suffering is, that we can end the suffering, and that we can go beyond it. This poem, I think, reflects that. There gathered together a company of great men, The wise, the mighty, the holy - All came together to celebrate life and joy. Among them stood a simple, old man, His clothes tattered and coarse Compared to the regal robes of splendor That the rest wore. His face was seamed with lines Given to him by Time and Nature, The two cruelest masters. "What is he doing amidst our great congregation?" Asked one ruler. "Here we are gathered to celebrate, To jest and be joyous at our accomplishments. What can this man bring to our revels?" The old, plain man spoke up. "Great masters, I stand among the Titans, A mere mortal, the lowest of your ranks. Though I never ruled a nation, Or enlightened a people, Or brought salvation to the multitudes, I saw more sorrow than all of you combined. Time and Nature have robbed me Of everyone I knew and loved, And left me at Death's door alone. Yet I look past my sorrow, Realizing it is only temporary. I remember all the good of my life, And dwell not on the bad. I have moved beyond my suffering, And smile still at the joys I do have." All saw the wisdom of this man's words, And there was a rustle among the company As the all bowed low before him and his wisdom. "If you can't annoy somebody, there's little point in writing." --Kingsley Amis |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Suffering can teach us many things. Great poem! Denise |
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