On a gravestone outside of Syracuse,

Stands etched a poem from a man long gone.

It speaks wisdom he never was able to use,

But needed to pass on.

“A word of wisdom to the wise,

From a very simple man.

But simple men can live lives,

That no other person can.”

“If happiness plays the melodies you seek,

Dance the songs as you hear them.

Life’s abysses are dark and deep,

But that is no reason to fear them.”

“The bitterness you held inside you

Is a whetstone for the knives of the world.

Let your understanding be your guide through.

Ignore the stones that are hurled.”

“Ask yourself, what place is yours

To pass judgment on the rest.

Accept the sound of failure’s roar,

Even when you have done your best.”

“And if, crying under the covers,

You feel that your life has been in vain,

Pass your wisdom on to others,

And through your words, live again.”