I saw that dog Diogenes
Walking daylight, lamp in hand.
Wandering the streets of Athens,
Looking for one good man.

Living virtue naturally,
In a simple cloak he’d be dressed,
Indifferent to wealth or power,
By which the ignorant are so impressed.

Men, they complicate everything
With their customs and their laws.
Only wisdom and rationality can
Avoid the suffering these things cause.

Live your life in simplicity,
Want only what you truly need.
Your true self will start to flourish
Once unquenchable desire you cease to feed.

I saw Diogenes last Sunday,
Masturbating in the street,
“If only twas so easy,” he said,
“To cure hunger without having to eat.”

Humble lentils fill a belly,
Wine barrels provide a dry bed,
Collect all the gold your heart desires,
You’ll still end your life dead.

Alexander saw Diogenes
Sunbathing by himself in Crete.
The great king saw within him
Not one ounce of evil or deceit.

Standing in awe of true wisdom,
Wanting to do what was right,
The king asked what wish he could grant him,
Diogenes said, “Get out of my fucking light!”

12/9-12/12/16

Image #1: “Diogenes” by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824–1904) Found on WikiMedia Commons.
Image #2:”Alexander the Great and Diogenes” by Hendrick Heerschop (1626-1690) Found on WikiMedia Commons.