The Wise Hermit

An old hermit sits under a tree
And when school is over, he talks to me

"If you want wisdom, you must see many springs
If you want a kingdom, you must possess many things"

"But beware want and posession,"
He cautioned with a glint in his eye
"Desire leads to suffering
And greed is never satisfied"

"Of the future we know nothing save that we will die
And true love is never-ending unless you cheat and lie"

"Fill yourself with compassion, patience, and mirth
Learn to let go and you will be free from the pains of rebirth"

The wise old hermit passed away.
But his teachings resound within me to this day