Head Up High (Poem)

I saw the chair that the Buddha sat in.
I hear the words that the Buddha had spoken.
I felt the rain, looked up in the sky, and
Held my head up high, despite the pain.

Childhood is sorrow, the ancients did say.
Wait until tomorrow, and do as you may.
When one man conquers himself, he gains
much more than wealth and power.
He redeems his whole life forever more.

No "I am" is that there is at all.
Raise up Ego and see yourself fall.
In a mirror darkly is seen the face
of the one who blows dust off it.

The ancients said true consciousness exists,
but this world is ephemeral and fleeting.
Thoughts come and go, but the serenity of mind stays.
Feeling arise and fall, but pure mind remains.
Hold up your head high and go forward!