Rolling stones gather not any moss,
But keep themselves clean and free from dross
Which would otherwise have gathered round
To hold them fast and stuck to the ground.
In standing still stones may decompose
Since they thus a Law of Life oppose
Which demands that things must always move
For stagnation always fatal prove.
Let’s learn from stones that refuse to roll:
That stagnation always has its toll,
And that through movement we all progress
But in standing still we retrogress.
Motion is a basic Law of Life
Which requires that to stay alive
We never to indolence must yield
Or our demise we would thus have willed.
Changing circumstances come our way
And experiences to us convey
Which to maturity lead our soul
If we allow motion play its role.
It’s the same with the gifts we’re endowed,
For ere we received them we had vowed
To develop, tend and use them well
Since negligence will sure make them fail.
If we do not use well what we have,
We’re like a king with a crown and staff
But who knows not what to do with them
And must thus be deprived of his realm.
Let us all then not to move refuse
Or dare our talents and gifts abuse…
It’s only thus progress comes as shown
By the active, cheerful rolling stone.
- Victor Emmanuel Uwah, Poems From Without, 1997
