Above reproach

He sits on high,
above reproach.
A lofty perch,
I can't approach.

But his sitting,
is not done solidly.
His lofty seat
is tottering.

I approached his seat.
I scaled the height.
Disarmed my person
of sword and knife.
In peace I come
to exalted height.
In peace
so let not wrath ignite.

The sentries bristled,
they abused me so.
Exalted heights
I cannot go.

They were just about
to throw me down.
When that one spoke
who wore the crown.

They sheathed their blades,
withdrew their fists.
Those bodyguards,
they did desist.

I spoke in soft,
appealing tones.
His words like thunder;
from exalted throne.

I asked him how
he came to sit
on such precarious
precipice.

"My seat is solid!
My seat is might!
My seat on this
exalted height!"

Did it escape your notice
how can it be?
Do you not feel your seat
is teetering?

His sentries bristled,
they abused me so.
To exalted height
I'm loathe to go.

They were just about
to throw me down,
when that one spoke
who wore the crown.

"You've hidden weapon!
Your tongue is edge!
If again I see you,
you're good as dead!"

Cast down, I fell
from exalted height.
Naked I am
of sword and knife.

My tongue is clumsy
where is its edge?
If again I see him,
I will be bled.

One thing's certain.
One thing is true.
The one that bleeds;
it isn't you.

This just a concept;
not yet believed.
Betrayed I am
by trembling knees.

I approached his seat,
though I'd rather not.
I scaled the heights
too often sought.

His sentries bristled.
I gathered mettle.
Increased the bass;
reduced the treble.

I don't come
to stand against.
Nor do I demand
any recompense.

Abuse me thoroughly
if you must.
Death is coming.
Oh this I trust.

But tell me,
how you came to sit
on such precarious
precipice?

Don't you notice it
tottering left to right?
Have you considered a seat
at proper height?

The height you sit,
you cannot stay.
As rain,
you're sure to fall one day.
As thunder,
you'll make fantastic sound--
on the day that's coming,
when you're thrown down.

I don't come
to bring you dread
with stuttering tongue
you say is edged.

But if you must be cut,
then let blood fall.
Better a few drops
then lose it all!

But me? I'm one
of little might.
Of trembling voice
and stature slight.
Disarmed I am of
sword and knife.
How foolish to ascend
to such a height.

Bodyguards thus treat me
as one abhorred.
I can't yet bellow
Lion's Roar.

I want no contest.
I want no fight.
But have you considered
seat at proper height?

I'd rather see
a few drops fall.
Then have to
watch you
lose it all.

You sit on high,
above reproach.
A lofty perch,
I can't approach.

But approach I do
again...
again...
Knocking,
please let bodhi in.