Hafiz on Fame

Two Bears

Once

After a hard day's forage

Two bears sat together in silence

On a beautiful vista

Watching the sun go down

And feeling deeply grateful

For life.

Though, after a while

A thought-provoking conversation began

Which turned to the topic of

Fame.

The one bear said,

"Did you hear about Rustam?

He has become famous

And travels from city to city

In a golden cage;

He performs to hundreds of people

Who laugh and applaud

His carnival

Stunts."

The other bear thought for

A few seconds

Then started

Weeping.

~ Hafiz ~

(The Gift - versions of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky)