Teachings of the Sun

The path behind me stretches back,
and runs as far as I can see.
Yet forward goes my lonesome track
and further still it beckons me.
Each step he whispers in my ear,
a weary gnome upon my shoulder.
“We’ve come so far, and yet I fear,
naught has been found. And so I wonder,

Why go ahead and not stand still?
Why burden him who’s doomed to perish?
In place of challenging his will,
let him his peace and quiet cherish.
For many sought what you now seek
and many lost what had been found.
It’s Moiras who you dare to trick
and Moiras whom your payment’s bound.

I plead you thus out of my love.
For moderation of the spirit
Is praised by merry all above,
content be their highest merit.”
And so I laughed, my body shaking
from laughter felt in heavy feet.
“Where you think love I divine fading
into a dream that’s deep and sweet.

My gnome, I say to you, go sleep!
Let Hypnos end your vain pursuit.
Away with you, so count your sheep
and part where struggle takes no root.
For how could you, oh weary one,
endure the truth that I was told
By Him who never sleeps – the Sun –
it’s He who taught me how to scold

The weary preachers of night rest,
grey-haired despisers of this world,
who shun the fire of their breast
and leave their banners dead and furled.
Like you, they dream of endless peace
and who am I to let them not –
take long repose and gladly cease,
to find the solace they have sought?

I see you dozing off, be gone!
I wish not scare your gentle ear.
Not to your liking be my tone
and neither this you’d want to hear:
Each moment past – you’ll live again,
The wheel of Shall is that of Was.
For time, unyielding, knows no end
And binds us all within its laws.

So do you see now, weary one?
The rest you pray for – cannot be.
The wheel will spin, its course not done,
And hold you fast in its decree.

The Sun has taught me – both of us
Shall wander here once more and speak,
While you shall stumble, worn and meek,
I shall proclaim: “I willed it thus!”