The Question
The meter is kind of weird on this one. I started it one way, and then
kind of changed my mind, but then I decided I didn't want to re-write
the whole thing, so i did the question part in one meter, and the
answer part in another.
Philosophers ponder and sages propose
Many answers to one simple question.
And I have decided I too wish to know
Of the purpopse of life and where I should go
Where I can find hope and direction.
So I sought out the gurus and sages inspired
And posed to them that simple question.
What’s the purpose of life? To them I inquired
For my life is directionless, muddled and mired.
I could use a few helpful suggeestions.
And somebody told me life’s a mountain.
It’s a challenge to conquer and to climb.
They said that I must always keep on striving
And squeeze all I can out of my time.
Another sage said that life’s a river.
The goal is at the head of the stream.
And you must never falter in your swimming,
Lest you be swept away far from your dream.
They told me that life’s just like a ladder.
That step by step you mount up to the sky.
I shook my head and wished that they could tell me
The way we can grow wings and upward fly.
So I left all the sages and wise men behind
And wandered along on my way.
Here I would never my true answer find,
These thinkers used only the power of mind.
The soul should have its part to play.
I spoke to so many I hardly recall
The metaphors given to me.
Of cherries or chocolates or leaves in the fall,
None was the answer the answered it all.
Yet I still sought what I should be.
And after much searching I started to find
Glimpses of truth good and pure.
‘Midst toil and pain like a cloud silver lined,
They spoke to the deepest in soul and in mind.
My troubles they’re starting to cure.
For a poet I chanced to meet told me
That we should let life be a dance.
That we don’t need to be better than others
To be happy, if given a chance.
And a young friend of mine, he once told me
That the purpose of life is to live
You don’t need to have wisdom to know if
It’s better to get or to give.
A great patriot once wrote that
Mankind has a right to pursue
Our happiness here in this country.
This right is for me and for you.
And the Lord himself has told us,
That mankind was made for joy.
We’re here for a purpose, each person.
There’s a destiny we’ll all enjoy.
So if ever you wonder the reason for things
And what you should do on this earth,
Just live life or dance it,
You really should chance it,
Seek joy for it’s yours from your birth