The wise man sees the unknown in his way
and asks if good or harm will come therefrom.
The fool rejoices drunk at life's buffet
and disregards the down of jester's thumb.

The confident decides to take the best
and leaves behind unquestioned what remains.
The needy waits to hear his thoughts expressed
and frets against the silence fate maintains.

The flourishing use past to guide the now
and seize the opportunities at hand.
The floundering the present disallow
and mesmerized by doubt let doubt expand.

If what we meet would speak its special truth,
but wait, mine only hear both aged and youth.

- Robert Stone, 19 September 2010