Doubt

This is an old unfinished poem. Just added a few lines at the end.

Doubt

Thousands have perished on this path
will I survive the journey?
Thousands have gone in search of the spring
and had it dry up.
Thousands have found the jewel
only to have it crumble like glass.
So many have walked this path
and found it to vanish abruptly.
So many have heard the rare bird sing
only to see it flutter and die.
How many have walked on firm ground
and still sunk into quicksand?
So many how come down from the mountaintop
and still slipped on level ground.
So many have practiced purity
and yet had it evaporate at the first contact.
And still others have preached non-materialism
while gleefully accepting money.
And still others have preached celibacy
while giving in to temptation themselves.

This path is so difficult
full of fallen idols
full of fallen ideals.
After years of trying
I have but taken a couple of steps.
This path is so treacherous
do I dare continue?