Go as a pilgrim and seek out danger

far from the comfort

and the well-lit avenues of life.

Pit your every soul against the unknown

and seek stimulation in the comfort of the brave.

Experience cold, hunger, heat and thirst

and survive to see

another challenge

and another dawn.

Only then will you be at peace

with yourself

and be able to know and to say,

“I look down the farthest side of the mountain,

fulfilled and understanding all,

and truly content that

I lived a full life and one

that was my own choice.”

—JAMES ELROY FLECKER,

FROM THE POEM PLAY HASSAN