Purpose

A man lived and was taught to know
That happiness lies in his own renown;
That all toil must be for this crown,
To seek it and thereby grow.
Life calls, "No, walk the narrow";
Death interrupts, "Broad is the way out of sorrow".

So he climbs the ladder up the steps
Toward the light he perceives as light;
Gaining renown with unswerving might,
Sparing nothing of the world's best.
Life calls, "Narrow is the ascent to heaven's nest";
Death interrupts,"No, wide is the tread to treasure's chest".

Time now spent in the arms of luxury
Has given way to every man's lot;
For gaping is the mouth to eternal rot,
And it is discovered, the price of lies a usury,
When Life calls no more
And Death welcomes.