Serenity, tranquility does fine
For monks reclusive in their mountain caves,
Praying to make their settled souls align
With God before descending to their graves.
But we who mean to live ecstatically
Across the gamut of all human being
Throw ourselves wide to the perilous sea
Heedless of wrack, no misery foreseeing.
Let come what may, it’s only Thrill that counts:
Skydiving down before the ripcord pull,
Hurtling around the raceway bound to trounce
Our rivals at the flag—that makes us full.
Let meek contemplatives evacuate their souls;
We active folks chase more exciting goals.
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