i choose sadness, instead of hapiness
for only in sadness can i know true joy
i ask for poverty not to riches
for riches blind you from the simple things
that compare not to wealth and fame

i choose anoynymity
for many great men not known afar
have done things greater
than those whose praises men sing
i ask for misfortune
that i may learn the blessings of true fortune

i choose not fame
nor the admiration of men
for there is folly in the pride that brings
and those men stay not when misfortune
has befallen
i ask for friends who will not be afraid
to tell me i am wrong

i choose not pleasure
for it blinds you from true treasure
that which few men seek
that which only wisdom sees
i ask for hope
for without that, man cannot live
for love,
for it is that that makes the song bird sing
for joy,
for that, nothing can kill