The Village AtheistYe young debaters over the doctrineOf the soul’s immortalityI who lie here was the village atheist,Talkative, contentious, versed in the argumentsOf the infidels. But through a long sicknessCoughing myself to death I read theUpanishads and the poetry of Jesus.And they lighted a torch of hope and intuitionAnd desire which the ShadowLeading me swiftly through the caverns of darkness,Could not extinguish.Listen to me, ye who live in the sensesAnd think through the senses only:Immortality is not a gift,Immortality is an achievement;And only those who strive mightilyShall possess it.
Ye young debaters over the doctrineOf the soul’s immortalityI who lie here was the village atheist,Talkative, contentious, versed in the argumentsOf the infidels. But through a long sicknessCoughing myself to death I read theUpanishads and the poetry of Jesus.And they lighted a torch of hope and intuitionAnd desire which the ShadowLeading me swiftly through the caverns of darkness,Could not extinguish.Listen to me, ye who live in the sensesAnd think through the senses only:Immortality is not a gift,Immortality is an achievement;And only those who strive mightilyShall possess it.