Talent And Knowledge.. Poem by TheBigThinkg Human

/* These are some verses based on a story in Ramayana */

Once there was a Rishi
Learned of all the sages and seers!
Living in the depths of a forest with his Son
Continuing his research and experimentation!

Awed by his father’s knowledge power
His son desired to be his true heir!
To excel with knowledge in every sphere
But did not like all the learning rigor!

“Father, is there a way? ” he asked in doubt
For all your knowledge to sprout
In my brain with little or no effort
As learning makes me distraught!

“Knowledge is not in what we recite
Neither what we read nor what we write
Learning is all about getting into essence
Experiment, experience and enhancements!

Even digging few feet into the soil
Requires so much effort and toil!
Mining our mind is much harder my son
Said the Rishi “Knowledge is precious diamond”

The son was in no mood to listen!
He went on to carry a severe penance!
Invoked Him to fill up his brain
Without any need to work-out or train!

God appeared before the blinkered boy!
“Grant me knowledge” –Son asked with joy!
Granted the God “Yours be the talent to shoot a spear”
“Knowledge to use it is your endeavor’

That was a cold and dark forest night
Even the evil spirits cuddled in blankets tight!
Son of the Rishi woke up in fear!
Sound of a beast approaching near...

The boon of his did not go waste
He picked a spear and threw in haste
Spear hit the target, right on spot
Cries of his father wrenched the heart!

Lay on the floor, the father of the son
Drenched in blood and desolation!
Collecting the herbs, he had come home
To be cut by the spear his son had thrown!

'Son, knowledge is not talent alone
Diamond uncut is only a stone..
Practice to listen; Process information
Plan your action; Perform execution'

Said the Rishi and breathed his last!
Son cried for his foolish exploit!
Hard-work leads to happy knowledge!
Short-cuts lead to sorrowful stage!

-TBT