Soul Pearl

Daily, willful, loving attentiveness to life unfolding is often a painful experience. Yet it is most necessary for what is all too easily called "spiritual developement".

Among the humblest of creatures, the oyster has little choice in the matter and yet produces something as wonderful as the lusterous pearl. We, with the potential with which we are imbued -- what can we not produce?(!)

The oyster is an animal, tasty swallowed whole,
that can easily assume a different role.
Should a bit of sand or grit stick in its tender flesh,
the oyster will feel pain without any rest.

And how many tears must the oyster cry,
to wash away its pain,
before all its agony undergoes a change?

Every tear the oyster cries is worth far more than gold.
Every tear the oyster cries comes from its very soul.
The product of its tears, you see, can charm a pretty girl.
The product of its tears, you see, is a bright and lusterous pearl!

And how many tears must the oyster cry,
to wash away its pain,
before all its agony undergoes a change?

A necklace of a band of pearls, it is a pretty thing
of beauty held together by a piece of ugly string.
The beauty of the pearl is what we all adore,
but don't you think, if you cut the string, they'll all fall on the floor!

And how many tears must the oyster cry,
to wash away its pain,
before all its agony undergoes a change?

And every time you take a breath,
or let out a sigh,
you show that all of life is exactly the same!