The Broken Teacup*

Ikkyu as a very young child

Displayed signs of being clever.

That he would one day be a great master,

There was no doubt whatsoever.

His teacher had one small treasure--

A precious teacup, a rare antique.

Its beauty was beyond compare,

Its style and craftsmanship unique.

One day Ikkyu happened to break

His teacher's cup. Horror-struck,

He heard his teacher's approaching footsteps,

And there he was: a sitting duck.

Ikkyu quickly picked up the pieces

And held them behind his back. "Why,"

He asked his sagacious teacher,

"Is it that people have to die?"

"Dying is a natural thing,"

The teacher replied, trying to give

A meaningful explanation.

"Everything has just so long to live."

Ikkyu slowly held out his hands,

Showing his teacher the broken cup.

Then he demurely said, "It appears

As though your teacup's time was up."

(2-3-17) By Bob B

*An old anecdote retold here in verse