All you gurus —

Beware the poet.
He sings
your praises,
spreading delightful
lies
and not caring.

All you gurus —

Beware the scholar.
With devotion
he records
your entire history
when you have
none.

All you gurus —

Beware the priest.
He builds
spired temples
on every green hilltop
only to house
himself.

All you gurus —

Beware the girl.
She casts her look,
hoping, terrified,
you will take the hook.

All you gurus —

Beware your wife.
She serves all
with eyes of compassion
fixed
on the softest seat.

All you gurus —

Beware the diligent disciple.
Ceaselessly meditating,
he has already tried
your back door.

Gurus, beware
these children
in your care.
They teach you
how much of you
is still there.