Wise Socrates, that ancient sage,

Was asked once by a boy

If he wouldn’t teach him wisdom

Share his vision, knowledge, joy.


So the old man took him by the hand

And led him to the sea

where they waded out into the foam

there he stopped as if to speak.


He laid his hands on youth’s fair head

then thrust him ‘neath the waves.

He held him there ‘til want of air

made life near slip away.


With flailing arms and gasping breath

the boy rose once again,

And after tears had quieted

the seer he spoke to him.


If the time ever comes when you want to learn

As much as you wanted breath,

You may then return to my chamber door

Where I’ll teach you ‘till my death.


You who think you know life well,

Take a lesson from the tale,

You eat the grapes you grow yourself.

By choice you live in poverty or wealth.