Greater Than Gold

Discard thy ancient maps and charts
whose yellowed parchments fail to reveal.
Do away with thy gilded brass compass
that never read true to this purpose.
Lay not faith in legends and myths,
their boasted fortunes weigh naught.
Here forth journey for purest wealth,
that treasure unseen, yet much coveted.
Quest evermore for that which is sought
above all things substantial - material.
That which is often believed purchased,
til waking reveals its absence.
That ethereal plunder that tantalizes,
yet slips through the fingers of most.
That thing whose value can not be calculated,
whose worth can never be estimated.
That thing that leads the disillusioned
to financial and emotional bankruptcy.
Take heed from this old seeker of truth;
whose words come from years in the seeking,
this treasure will not bring fame nor glory –
but with it thou shall have riches untold.
Should thou ever find this rare gem,
then pray, remember those who have not.
Leave a trail well marked to guide them
that the world may be so improved.
Light the path well with wick and oil
to cast out the darkness consuming.
Illuminate us, the eternal crusaders,
that perhaps we may too find our peace.