Spirit Level

SPIRIT LEVEL

Young spirit saw old spirit passing by.

"I say old man why do you go that way?

This is the way to where all life is lived

The way you go is nothing but the dark

Come, come with me and we will have some fun

And find out what this world is all about".

Old spirit sighed and stretched his tired frame

"I've seen it all, now is my time to go

And be replaced by life force young and strong

You do not know what lies ahead for you

But you'll find out and grow as old as me

And one day be replaced by one like you."

"Never, I'll not let it happen, I'll not

Become as old and decrepit as you

I intend to stay young forever more."

" You youngsters never listen. Never mind,

You'll find out. There's such a lot you don't know

You think you know it all. I'm glad I'm out."

"Don't go like that. I'm sorry stay awhile.

Tell me what it's like. Give me some advice;

Some pointers just to get me started right."

"What don't you know that you would like to know?"

"Oh, Anything to help me on my way.

Tell me what sort of things that I will need

That I may spend my time on earth for good."

"So many are the things that you could use

To help the human race in its advance."
"The human race? I don't know what that is."

"Of course you don't but you will soon find out.

They are strange creatures one of which you will

Inhabit from the start of it's existence

And many are the skills that you will need."

"Like what, I must be told and be prepared."

Old spirit thought a moment, shook his head,

Tried to connect to some 'llusive memory.

"You will need music wherever you go.

Do-ray-me-far-so-la-tee-do you see."

"That does sound rather like a vocal mess."

"It's really rather good but poetry

Is much more difficult to understand"

"Explain it to me now that I may take

Advantage of it in my life to come."

"Can't be explained, it's like a mystery."

"Do human beings like this poetry?"

"Some do but mostly they don't understand

Even when they're writing it themselves."

"Sounds like a waste of time; anything else?"

"You will need logic."

"What's that?"
"Work it out"

A sense of humour will be of great use."

"A sense of what?"

"Humour, learn to laugh"
"What at?"

"Yourself."

"Are you joking? What else"
"Good manners."

"Pardon?"
"Yes, that's very good"
. A spirit of adventure. Sense of fun.

Inquiring attitude, curiosity,

Willingness to take a risk. Dare to lose;

To meet with triumph and disaster and
Treat those two impostors just the same"
"What does that mean?"

"Don't know, read it somewhere."
"It all seems most confusing. Is there more?"

"That's nothing, wait until you fall in love."

"Fall into what?"
"Not fall into. Fall in.

It cannot be explained, humans themselves

Don't understand why they're compelled to it."

"What other skills do I need for my task?"

"Learn to be practical and artistic,

Stupid and creative, dull and merry,
Happy and sad, placid and angry.

Do all of these things each at the same time."

"You've been most helpful, tell me something more."

Old spirit wiped his brow and sighed aloud.

"I'm sorry but my memory has gone,

I'm tired now and coming to my end."

He turned his back and made to drift away.

Young spirit cried "but wait there's more to tell.

There must be something more that you can give."

Old spirit stopped, considered for a while.

"There is one thing that you will need."
"What's that?"

"A small amount of cruelty for when

You need the will to drive ahead with plans

When others look askance and block your way.

But you must temper it with sympathy

And be of patience when at times of stress

Ill temper leads you on to hurtful deeds.

For that is when humanity can be

A time of joy or just a life of pain."

"Old spirit" said young spirit "wait awhile

How will I know that I've been a success?"

Old spirit smiled and waved a last farewell

"If humans make their lives a living hell

You'll know your time has been a wasted mess.

But if you witness happiness and fun,

A lifetime spent in living at full pace,

Each minute sixty seconds distance run,

You've done your duty to the human race."

Then old spirit finally departed

Young spirit knew his duty had just started
-- -- -- -- --
The gurgling infant hungry at the breast

Contented suckling is the only sound

For just a while all energy at rest

A clean, white sheet the baby safely bound.

Along the way another room in gloom

Dead now the body once so strong and proud

Quiet now the voice that once did rage and boom

An old white sheet the last and only shroud.