Stages
This following poem was written by Hermann Hesse, a German writer, who wrote this while he was on his quest for enlightenment.
As every flower fades and as all youth
Departs, so life at every stage,
So every virtue, so our grasp of truth
Blooms in its day and may not last forever.
Since life may summon us at every age,
Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavour,
Be read bravely and without remorse
To find new light that old ties cannot give.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force
For guarding us and helping us to live.
Serenely let us move to distant places
And let no sentiments of home detain us.
The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us
But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces.
If we accept a home of our own making
Familiar habit makes for indolence.
We must prepare for parting and leave-taking
Or else remain the slaves of permanence.
Even the hour of our death may send
Us speeding off to fresh and newer spaces,
And life may summon us to newer races.
So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.
