Anonymous

Three men stood upon the shore

Pondering their being

Gazing at the vast beyond

Groping after meaning.

The young one cracked the silence

Inner thoughts came spewing forth

For deep inside he could not hide

His passionate plea for worth

“This sea that roars before me

I’m afraid I fail to love

Its all-consuming quality

Is a trait I’m jealous of

The crashing waves envelop round

Those who dare confront

Blue brilliant power buffets awe

Few daring absorb its brunt

If only I could, like the sea

Be great and not left wanting

Perhaps one day I’ll swallow it

And desiccate its haunting.”

The middle-aged one shook his head

He thought the notions foolish

Of the greenhorn, naïve before him

Who found lack of wealth so ghoulish.

“One can have it all my son,

With endless time to use it

Yet the awful deal you’ll always have

Is the fear that you may lose it.

This sea produces many treasures

Pearls and gold and life

Though nothing made within its waves

Can save you from your strife

If I only I could, like the sea

Never once be swallowed

Live forever unmolested

Immortal, Safe, and Hallowed.”

The old man shifted slowly

Peering out to endless depths

He’d choose his old words wisely

Precious now were his deep breaths

“I’ve had it all upon a time

Just like this water here

Many men I’ve ruled like ocean’s fury

From a castle, most secure.

The commodity most invaluable

That eludes me like a whale

Is for all the world to know me

Leave my mark, no fear of fail

For greater than the treasure

Much greater than assurance

Is knowing I’m forever known

In spite of history’s currents.

If only I could, like the sea,

Be remembered by all who live

My life would be worth something

It could end with naught to give.”

Suddenly they realized

A fourth man stood about

As he spoke the ocean stilled

His voice now held the clout

“I’ll give you everything,

I’ll adorn you with the best

I’ll secure your wealth, and your heart

With a plate upon your breast

Above all I will meet you,

Welcome you into my home,

We’ll forge our deep desires,

The endeavor to be Known.

But of course there is a cost,

The gift, it is not free

For to know the great Unknowable

Is to become a nobody.

For with me you must lose everything,

Leaving this world with nil

For with me I’ll promise nothing

I’m not safe, nor is your will

With me there is a chance perhaps,

You’ll fade and be obscure

And not one soul will know you

To be remembered is unsure.

If only you could, like the sea

Do that for which you’re made

At once your eyes would shift from self

All vain quests would soon fade.

For every dream you most admire

I’ll deliver if you trust

The secret to your hearts’ desires

Is to be Anonymous.”