INSTABILITY

The worst of follies it is told
The fleeting as lasting to hold.

Like a drama-crowd wealth gathers
Like passing show its pride too goes.

Wealth wanes away; but when it comes
Take care to do enduring things.

The showy day is but a saw
Your life, know that, to file and gnaw.

Ere tongue benumbs and hiccough comes
Rise up to do good deeds betimes.

One was yesterday; not today!
The wonder of the world's way!

Man know not his next moment
On crores of things he is intent.

The soul from body any day
Like bird from egg-shell flies away.

Death is like a slumber deep
And birth like waking from that sleep.

The life berthed in this body shows
A fixed home it never knows.