Buddhism 101 - A Sonnet Poem by Richard St. Clair

The story of our world is so much pain,
With intermittent joy and celebration,
But everyone alive throughout creation
Knows our suffering truly is inane.
The Buddha knew too well in His own life
That happiness shall pass and death grow nigh,
He knew that all will grow old, sick, and die,
Whether in peace at home or vicious strife.
So in wisdom He taught the Middle Way
For all to escape this stifling world forever,
So as to return to this sad rebirth, never,
Enlightened and no further karma to pay.
Nirvana is this state of lasting bliss,
Free from any further birth amiss.