The Wise Man Poem by louis rams

there was three men who met GOD.
and GOD said:
i will grant you the one thing
that you want most in the world.

the first man jumped up and replied:
i want to be the richest man in the world.
granted: GOD said

the second man said:
i want to be the most knowledgeable
man in the world.
granted: GOD said

then GOD turned to the third man and asked
what would you like?
the man pondered all the possibilities
and softly responded: 'free will'.

GOD looked at him and said:
you could have wealth or knowledge
like the other two, or health, love
anything that you want.
why did you pick free will?

well GOD: with free will, i could
make any choices that i want
and if it is wrong, i learn from the experience.
i could search for knowledge
and be able to achieve wealth
and read books to open
the mind that you have given me.

i could experience love, joy, sorrow,
happiness, sadness.
and use the five senses
that you have bestowed upon me.

let me see and feel all the beauties
of the world, and the wonders of my soul.
this is something that i could forever hold.

why would i want to change
what you have given me.
you don't make mistakes
this much i see.

GOD looked upon him and said:
you did not seek the material
things in this life.
but accepted what i have given.
and this is what is called 'living'.

you are truly one of the sons of GOD.
for it is within your heart.