The Martial Arts Master and His Student*

The teacher calmly sat in the dojo,

Waiting for his class to begin.

Seated on his cushion, he silently

Focused on the center within.

A student rushed into the building,

Stopped and gave a cursory bow,

And said, "Teacher, my goal has not

Been very clear to me until now.

"I want to master the martial arts.

What can I do to get there faster?

How many years does it take

A person like me to become a master?"

"Ten years," replied the teacher.

"Ten years? That can't be!"

The student exclaimed. "But I'll work hard--

Ten long hours a day! You'll see.

"If I practice and read and study

And work harder than all my peers,

How long then?" After a moment

The teacher replied, "Twenty years."

(2-28-17) By Bob B

*An old tale retold here in verse