The following poem serves four purposes here.

First, it is autobiographical. Second, it outlines most of the counsel that I would give to a young person. Third, it illustrates the power of writing. And fourth, most importantly, it demonstrates the necessity of "guided thinking", because it is utterly incomprehensible without explanation. For example, the verse about whores is not about women; it is about all human relationships in the urban jungle. There is no love where there is no village, for the only true love is love for one's village. Such statements are incomprehensible until you can look at them in the light cast by the teachings. Those who master my teachings will return to this poem and say, "Aha! Now I understand what each verse is saying and can see the truth of it".