Humble song

Life was tumultous and triumphant, with frenetic action all around
Victories were streaming into his life without ever running aground
Friends abounded around him at all times, some true and some not
But since his star was on the rise there was no time for any thought

He lived in a great house, that looked out over the rolling park land
When he was hungry there was no dearth of food, ready at hand
There were many sources of entertainment when he felt quite bored
And they were all accessible to him whether alone or with those adored

But there was a sight that disturbed him now and then on the roadside
There was a man who was homeless, dressed shabbily, for all to deride
A sense of depression came over him at that sight, a harbinger of change
What are the reins holding life together? - he wondered at sight of ravage

He even paused to give the derelict some charity to make him well
But the man was far gone and couldnt between day and night tell
Why is he like this? - wonder arose in the successful man of world
Is this my future too? - morbidity started in his heart to unfold

During his journey he came across another sight: this time of a monk
He was also dressed in tattered clothes, but had eyes blazing strong
There was no roof over his head and he also lived on society's alms
But there was no self pity in him and his life was without qualms

Why is it that the derelict is in despair and you are in a state of strength?
I am afraid of his state and feel that it would be my future's final end
Acute depression and fear visit me when I think of loss of life's props
I shall die alone bereft of all my friends and the life's luxury and gloss

The monk smiled at me and said: the derelict man is holding onto desire
Unfulfilled desires are haunting him, causing him despair his life entire
I on the other hand have overcome desire and live in this world at will
Nothing affects me, neither the act of pleasure or of opposite pain's fill

You are afraid because you are attached to the life that you now live
But try being like the lotus leaf that despite in water, not wet still
When you can be thus, the home will be the same as the arching sky
And day will merge into night, and alongwith the stars you will fly

Encouraged and enlightened thus I returned back to my home alone
But from then on I started the process of giving freely all that I own
I combat depression with thoughts of the sublime as told by the monk
And wait patiently for the time when destiny shall fulfil my humble song