Tell me, what is the basic essence of this life?
Why people shed tears, I sometimes wonder.
What will be the lot of man after this strife?
Once you want to know, upon these, ponder.
Why people shed tears, I sometimes wonder.
What will be the lot of man after this strife?
Once you want to know, upon these, ponder.
After your degrees, your partner is joblessness.
And you think your enemy in this life is luck?
Some are truly making it even in degreelessness!
So find something to do, and you'll kill lack.
And you think your enemy in this life is luck?
Some are truly making it even in degreelessness!
So find something to do, and you'll kill lack.
Your own people have rejected you;
You seem useless, even with your own peers.
Your lovers are left with only a few;
But worry not: what you need is many years.
You seem useless, even with your own peers.
Your lovers are left with only a few;
But worry not: what you need is many years.
You afford three square meals, daily;
And yet when your food lacks salt, you lament!
Another goes to bed on an empty belly,
But he is thankful to his creator, every moment.
And yet when your food lacks salt, you lament!
Another goes to bed on an empty belly,
But he is thankful to his creator, every moment.
You think you are the poorest on this earth!
Some are without legs, and others, without eyes:
Yet they work hard, once they have breath.
So do not relax in your poverty; please, be wise!
Some are without legs, and others, without eyes:
Yet they work hard, once they have breath.
So do not relax in your poverty; please, be wise!
Tell me, what is the basic essence of this life?
Why people shed tears, I sometimes wonder.
What will be the lot of man, after this strife?
Once you have known it, upon these, ponder.
Why people shed tears, I sometimes wonder.
What will be the lot of man, after this strife?
Once you have known it, upon these, ponder.
ISAAC ESSOUN
