King

There was once a king who asked,

Is there a gift in all the worlds,

that can make me sad when I am happy,

and happy when I am sad?

Then a sage came to the king and in his hands he put a ring,

upon which four words were cast,

that made the king sad when he was happy,

and happy when he was sad.

Smiles they wiped and tears they dried,

the words were wise, but wisdom is bitter-sweet.

'This too shall pass' the ring would read.

This too shall pass indeed.

What is this life, why does it seem,

so laden with strife, no lasting gleam?

No certain future, but endless hopes,

is this all it is - a cruel joke?

Your life may be different,

so feel free to disagree.

But I shall pass and so will you,

then how different will we be?

Is it not my right to search for happiness,

for eternal bliss and timeless life?

Be practical, for no such thing exists they say,

to dreamers and sages alike.

Life it comes and it goes,

and sometimes we're left standing still.

Life becomes a passerby,

whose glimpse we seldom care to steal.

Rare are those who dare to try,

who call out or seek to catch it's eye.

And once they have life by their side,

they sit down and speak for a while.

Then with tears in its eyes,

life says to those who listen,

I have been waiting for so long my friend,

for you to ask this very question.

Death and I are everywhere,

we never began and shall not cease.

But there is Truth beyond us both,

for those who simply seek.

Be gladdened, enlightened soul,

for the Truth yearns to meet with you too.

In loving exchange you shall embrace,

what in your heart, you always knew.

Life grew silent, stood up and said he would leave soon,

the king now had to choose.

Would he follow life and death once again,

or would he choose to seek out the Truth?