The Circle of Gods


Toward the end there were only seven gods left.
Though they loved one another,
they were lonely for those who were gone.
One day a god said, There should be more of us.

But it is all that we can do  to live peacefully among ourselves, 
said another.

You are wrong, said another.We need more gods and less talk.

Alright, then,  said the fourth god,Join hands and form a circle.

When they had formed the circle,
suddenly a new god stood in their midst.

Welcome,  said the fifth god, Come join our circle.

No sooner had the new god joined than another god ap-
peared and another and another
 until the circle of gods covered the Earth.

Stop,  said one of the seven, or there will be no room for any of us.
As he threw down his hands.
 the multitude of gods vanished, 
leaving seven standing alone, 
their hands at their sides.

We shall miss them,  said one god. 

It would have been better if they'd never come, said another.

And that is why it is often better to want what you cannot have 
than to have what you  cannot keep.

Back to Table of Contents

Back to home page