The love of my life was fast asleep.
The Roommate was rhythmically plucking
the highest string on his guitar
in strange staccato stanzas,
while staring empty at the wall.
The teevee droned on and on
about a man who cheated on a woman
with her friend, and the friend's boyfriend.
The day had been rainy and dark.
The job search was deadening.
The bank account was melting slowly away.
The neighbors were screaming again
and the old floors were creaking loud.
I walked into the kitchen to feed the hungry CAT
and I could smell the gas stove.
I could smell the dirty dishes.
I reached into the cabinet, grabbed the food
filled the bowl and the cat walked
smoothly slowly in,
FAT YET SLEEK.
He stared hard, eyes to eyes
then spoke, saying:
"One who conquers himself is greater than another
who conquers a thousand times a thousand men
on a battlefield.
Be victorious over yourself, not others;
for when you attain victory over yourself,
not even the GODS can turn it into defeat."
I fell to my knees and wept
on that dirty kitchen floor,
for enlightenment suddenly seemed
a distant and far away shore!