One Thousand Strands of Wisdom

One Thousand Strands of Wisdom

Time can tell the hoards of tales of the trials and the true
The trivial and tragic troves of treasured tangled tales that grew
One thousand strands of wisdom flowing down beneath the chin
'Tis not 'til twenty five's passed 'round, the real process bears its grin
Whether wrought untamed, wild, unkempt, or neat and soft and clean
Ten lengths of growth of yesteryear, a glorious sight be seen
All Samsons of old or new, cease not to let it grow and grow
Girded with strength of ancient sort, deep understanding you shall know
Like oil of gladness on Aaron's beard, running down each crevice and space
To reds, blacks, blonds: blessed greys and whites bestow on youth their grace
When settled, strings wide and lengthy, as a lion that's well fed
As swaying ropes blown in the wind, a hundred knotted prayers are said
Enthusiastic children pulling, tugging with great delight
The kind, gentle souls urge them on, taking it as a joyous rite
Measure by measure, inch by inch, each portion, a story told
The longer, the greyer, how meaning abounds in man's esteemed treasure of old
'Til patience, humility are deep and rich, from when new sprouts of life appear,
Gathers great in splendor near, this gift of grandeur, given man to rear.