The Other Side*

One day a monk near the end of a journey

Encountered a wide, rushing river.

Standing on the bank, he fretted,

"But I have messages to deliver."

 

For hours he stood there considering his options,

Unable to figure out a good plan.

All at once he noticed that

On the other bank there stood a man.

 

Elated, the monk waved and yelled,

"Oh, great teacher, good day to you!

To get to the other side of this flowing

River, tell me, what do I do?"

 

The teacher pondered for a few moments,

Looked up and down the river so wide,

And then yelled back to the fretful monk,

"My son, you ARE on the other side."

 

(2-27-17)

*An old tale retold here in verse