I listened from afar to the words of one I liked.
Eventually I came nearer and called out to him:
Are you the man who brings wisdom to the world?
I bring what I can, he said.
Sometimes I bring confusion,
because what I offer is not welcome.
And the wisdom that I bring
is as far removed from the source of all
as the shadows of the rising smoke,
cast upon the wall,
are from the fire itself.
How can I learn from you, I asked.
You can only be me, he said.
Take my hand, and repeat after me:
I am the one who brings wisdom to the world.
And the wisdom that I bring
is as far removed from the source of all
as the shadows of the rising smoke,
cast upon the wall,
are from the fire itself.