A Sonnet

   When I was young I hoped I could knowledge meet
   So I studied books many people have written.
   I believed this would make my life very sweet,
   But now my hopes seem to have been eaten.

   For how can a man know which book is wise,
   Which are the thoughts that other thoughts excel,
   Then - one can say - people are no more than mice
   And fate can destroy the place they used to dwell.

   All the world's knowledge needs a test,
   One must have a life, not only read on,
   I will try to do both before I go to my rest,
   Before both the wind and I will be gone.

   I will fight the world, which neither brave, nor new can be.
   If I surrendered - shame upon me.