SEEKERS

What then does every human being need
To be complete and satisfied in life,
For unlike beasts who simply sleep and feed
And live contented with avoiding strife,

We sapiens are prompted to aspire
As quenchless curiosity compels
Us to seek goals and summits ever higher,
A lust that no adventure finally quells.

Perhaps it’s only death that ends one’s quest,
Though wondering to the last what lies beyond,
And maybe then each soul is finally blessed
And rescued from the slough once named Despond.

     Yet till that final moment we shall seek—
     Still mounting toward some cloud-enveloped peak.

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