My Teacher Poem by RIC BASTASA

all his life he had only one wish
that he dies
and that he must die a happy death
he prays a lot
and offers flowers and food and treasures to the gods
he makes sacrifices
he purifies himself everyday with holy baths and spiritual exercises
he walks miles and miles to reflect upon the graces
and the wisdom of old
but the gods have their own ways and style
he shall never have a happy death

he was given the status of an immortal god
instead.