Early Wisdom
He who knows others has knowledge. He who knows himself is illuminated.
~ Rôshi
Some little blue and purple posters on
His childhood wall beside his bed gleamed green
(A phosphorescent glint) in patches, wan
Some parts of their designs, each little scene
A moment from a nursery rhyme. At night
One poster showed Jack Horner with his pie.
The boy in bed was snugged from dark and fright
By tiny glimmers calming to his eye.
He didn’t know the story’s meaning. He
Dozed off in comfort lacking any clue.
His mother gave that light, a guarantee
Of safety. Such was what the sleeper knew.
..That knowledge settled in him deeply so
….It grew inside him at his heart, a glow.