Among the starry schemes and bright Plateaus of foggy mountain peaks, A master and his pupil made Their way towards the dragon’s grot. As both the sage and student fought
To climb the snowy mountaintop, A storm soon formed with howling gales, Great hail, and unremitting rains.
In fear, and desperate for rest —sweet solace from the storm—the boy Sought shelter in the dark defiles; He quickly found a narrow space.
“Let us hide in those recesses, The elements are stern tonight.” “Let us make fire and gather round
The warmth, until the storm subsides.” Although still willing to ascend, The master did agree to rest. They made their way towards a cave Which seemed to offer solace. Alone, and sheltered from the storm, They lit a fire to warm their limbs. The humble flames crackled away;
The elements raged on outside. The master peered across the fire, Watching his student pondering. Not a stir could be heard, save for The crackling of the gentle flames. Amid the calm, the student raised His head and met the master’s eyes: The old sage sat there silently,
His eyes shining across the fire. “What most men fear more than the storm,
Is the quiet,” declared the sage. He stood up, then both the sage
And pupil walked into the storm.
David Gosselin is a poet, translator, and researcher based in Montreal. He is the founder of The Chained Muse and New Lyre. His first collection of poems is entitled Modern Dreams.