“There may come a time,” The Philosopher said,
“When you will find something vitally important to you,
and you will not be able to keep it.
“It may be that you cannot afford it
or it does not wish to stay with you.
“It may be that he does not love you
or that she has died.
“It may simply be a celestial body that cannot come to you
in the first place, no matter how you may wish it.
“There are some things,” The Philosopher said, “That will
remain out of your grasp.

“This is important to know.
“This is important to understand.”

“Guards,” The King said, “Kill the Philosopher.”
They did his bidding
and in this way
the King did not learn the lesson
for quite some time.