Not the Stoic Lights the Way
Not the stoic lights the way
There is always some small fee to pay
For with under-valued joy and strife
Come also under-valued life.
The pleasure seeker is likewise lost
For pleasure also incurs a cost
The mind distracted from its natural course
By appetites that breed remorse.
At times, it's true, one must stand aloof
From pain beyond our human proof
But sometimes we must grapple too
Making friends and foes as humans do
Pursuing the Creator's plan.
Thus such balance should be preferred
To life indulged or life deferred.