Morrie's Little Yellow Bird

The following poem is in tribute to Morrie Schwartz and Tuesdays with Morrie:

I wrote an earlier blog, here, on my experience watching a made for TV version of the book.

 

Written by the Panhandling Philosopher

a beggar of ideas to be shared with beggars:

 

Morrie’s Little Yellow Bird

Photo downloaded from Shutterstock

Morrie’s yellow bird flew by,

The one that tells Buddhists

If this is the day they will die

I wondered with a sigh

Is this the day I will die?

Little yellow bird asked “why?”

If this is the day you will die

What would you this day try

Would it be an experience?

Or say to someone good-bye?

Little bird said and if five years

Would you shed fewer tears?

Would you plan some great deed

You have always thought dear

But failed to do for time and fear?

If I said it would be twenty years

Would you imagine a long life

with all the time in the world?

Or realize that is but a few days

Far too few to coast or court strife!

Morrie’s little bird said to me

Without knowing count your days

Do first what matters if this is the day

Then make plans for a five year stay.

But don’t forget to fly beneath the rays.

Little bird sitting on my shoulder said

I must be on my way, I must fly

I began to want to sigh and cry

Then said he looking me in the eye

You’ll see me the day you die.

I said as he turned and flew away

I’ll imagine you with me each day

I’ll ask you is this the day

And if I imagine you here to stay

Then I will try to count my days.