This poem reflects on the human tendency
to rely on something—or someone—as a guarantee, and the pain that follows when
such expectations collapse. When what we depend on fails us, we are forced to
confront our own weakness and immaturity. The “debt” created by desire, attachment, and self-deception ultimately has to
be paid by oneself. The poem quietly speaks of the severity—and the honesty—of
living without illusions, standing in life just as one is.
“Expectations and the Price to Pay”
What was it that you relied upon
when you chose to act?
That very way of doing things
came back to strike you.
The more you rely on something,
the more unbearable it becomes—
nothing goes as planned,
and you can only stand there helpless.
Better when expectations fail.
Before you realize it,
you find yourself all alone.
You relied on what could never be relied
upon.
You are made to face the shame
of having depended on it.
You feel deeply
the helplessness of having had nothing else
to rely on.
The more you depend,
the more miserable you become.
There is no escaping the bill that comes
due.
The more you rely on something,
the heavier the price becomes.
In the end, you must pay it with your own
life.
Desire and lingering attachment had to be
cut away.
A crooked heart had to be abandoned.
The debts of deception
could only be repaid.
There is nothing to rely upon.
It is better to live bare and unadorned.
The more you depend,
the more you are taken lightly.
Better to become honest
and accept things as they are.
Never rely on what cannot be relied upon.
The price paid too dearly
can destroy even yourself.