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.