The Master and the Students: An Old Story Retold in Verse

The young monks all stood around

In awe of the visiting priest,

Whose wisdom struck them as profound

And remarkable to say the least.

 

One monk with a curious endeavor

Wanted to stump the old sage,

Thinking his question too clever

For even a master his age.

 

The monk said, “O master, can you please,

Since the time of your departure draws nigh,

Answer with your expertise:

What happens after we die?”

 

The young monks all felt dejected

When the priest said, “I do not know.”

Not hearing the answer they’d expected,

They let their bewilderment show.

 

“B...but...how can you say that?” they stammered.

“Don’t you--a wise teacher--know all?

We demand an answer!” they hammered.

The calm atmosphere turned to a squall.

 

The priest’s love had never decreased

For his students; he’d never misled one:

“Yes, for years I’ve been a priest--”

Then he added, “But never a dead one.”

(3-27-14)