Classic Poem

1

I had no desire for life —
suddenly, I was born in the world!
Just as I learned to love life —
suddenly, I found death drawing near.
Not yet born or already dead:
they both feel just about the same.
So if you're dissatisfied here in this world
you just need to wait around a while.

2

Birds and animals end up cooked as food
simply because they know nothing.
Parrots, however, because they can speak words
are prized and pampered by men.
Thus a man who does not want to learn
is like a zombie walking in a daze.
So why not exercise a tiny bit of effort
and let your mind sink into books and poems?