opus 43

opus 43

by Tim Reed

Come, o White-hair

and let us discourse together.

Instruct me in the ways of the aged,

teach me from the heart of experience.

Lead me on a path far from the snares of youth,

that I may take sure and wise paths.

You who have dined with kings

and laughed with fools -

how do you slake your Thirst?

You who have tasted

both water and wine -

how do you satisfy

the Burning within?

You who have walked

with knights and knaves -

what is the reward

of Justice?

The sluggard and the acolyte -

both you have known.

But both are drawn together to Sheol.

What then is the sum of our travail?

You who have loved and hated -

what does the vexation of our heart profit us?

You who have searched out the secrets of the heavens -

and seen the horrors of war -

what is the merit of learning and strategy?

You who have revealed and disclosed -

guarded and obscured -

what good does a shrewd mind bring forth?

Tell me, Old Man,

for I am waiting.

Tell me, Old Man,

if you know such things.

Tell me, Old Man,

the one bitter secret to make life sweet.

Tell me, Old Man,

if you know.

Let us reason together, if that has merit.

Let us discuss the heart, if that is profitable.

Let us speak of fools and kings, of knights and knaves, if indeed justice is just.

Let us reveal and obscure deep secrets, if there truly are any.

Let us build and tear down empires, if there truly are riches to be had.

Tell me, Old Man,

if indeed you have learned

these things unseen,

unknown,

unfelt.

Tell me, Old man,

if you know.