The Parable of the Precious Jewel°

A man who lived in a small town

Was having trouble earning his keep.

He went to visit a friend. They dined.

Then he got drunk and fell asleep.

 

The next morning the friend went away

On business and left behind a note.

However, before he left he'd sewn

A precious jewel inside the man's coat.

 

When the man awoke, he ate

Some breakfast, dressed, and then departed.

He had NO idea that

His friend had been so giant-hearted.

 

Leaving the town, the man went looking

For work, which was a struggle for him.

He took on any job he could,

Even risking life and limb.

 

After a number of long, hard years

Of toil, he happened to run into

His friend who was in town on business--

The friend who was so well-to-do.

 

On seeing him, the friend was aghast

And asked why he was working so hard.

He noticed the man's frail form,

His sunburnt face, his arms so scarred.

 

"When I saw you last, I sewed

Inside your coat a precious jewel,"

He said. "If you had discovered it,

You wouldn't have had to work like a mule.

 

"Here you have been slaving away

Unnecessarily.

Go find the jewel and wisely sell it.

The money will surely set you free."

 

Ah, at times we’re unaware

Of hidden gifts that we possess--

Gifts that can truly change our lives

And greatly affect our happiness.

 

-by Bob B (8-17-23)

 

°From Chapter 8 of the LOTUS SUTRA

Reviews

[Ken e Bujold]

yes at times, some would cynically say, most of the time, we are unaware of the gifts we possess. Your parable is a grand poem to remind us of this. very much enjoyed my first read of yours Bob.

thanks for sharing

ken

[Bob B]

Thanks for reading the poem and sharing your thoughts.