Two Bears May 28, 2007
Posted by tomasm in Poem.trackback
I read this poem this morning. I can’t say what being famous is like from experience, but I imagine it’s hard to separate out what makes one happy and what gets in the way when you try to please a lot of people - like a golden cage. I’m not against being famous or famous people. I’m curious what others think about this poem.
TWO BEARS
Once
After a hard days 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 (translated by Daniel Ladinsky)
From you: “I can’t say what being famous is like from experience, but I imagine it’s hard to separate out what makes one happy and what gets in the way when you try to please a lot of people - like a golden cage.”
I hadn’t read the poem you were sharing yet when I had read the above. I thought it was brilliant despite that I hadn’t read the poem yet. After reading the poem, I decided it was absolutely brilliant. Perhaps because it mirrors my precise beliefs about fame and those that have it. Then again, you have always been brilliant.
Thanks Gena. You’re very kind.
Tomas
Hometown says : I absolutely agree with this !