Spirit Sustained

I wrote this after reading Kahlil Gibran's "The Profit". If you haven't read that one yet, I urge you to check it out! :)

Spirit Sustained

A man lived happily with his family in a remote corner of an island.

One day his wife went to gather food but did not return by nightfall.

Greatly worried, the man went to find his wife but could not.

After several days had passed, the man fell into a deep despair.

He would not eat, drink, nor do anything to sustain himself.

One daughter had left to travel the island seeking help,

So passionate was the plea that many came to lend comfort.

His children then all went to him and hugged him closely

And the man stopped his sobbing and loved his children.

The next day a priest went to him speaking of God’s eternal love

And the main looked up and repented his selfish despair.

The next day a rich man went to him offering wealth if he would eat

And the man accepted the gifts and gave them to his loving children.

The next day a baker went to the man with his finest goods

And the man did finally eat and share with all that had come.

The next day a philosopher went to the man speaking of self-worth

And the man did stand proud but humble before his gathered fellows.

The next day the spirit of his wife did appear before him in a vision

And the man fell to the ground lifeless as the cold, unmoving rock.

Such is my love for you, that with everything else I could ever have

To know I had not you to sustain me I would surely perish.