IF

If you can step aside
While others are busy
With the market-throng
You are a step closer to being free.

While others wildly
Their pursuits chase
If you can watch and not envy
You scorn pride at its face.

What others have
You hanker for and desire not
Yet humility and contentment
Reign your heart---you are happy with your lot.

Too much hue and cry, so much excitement
And euphoria on the other side
You sit quietly under the shade of the tree
Reading your favourite poems while the world goes mad with its pride.

If you can leave the world behind
Your own soul and heart to cultivate
Your years will ripen with sweet fruitfulness
You will arrive finally at Enlightenment Gate.