Heaven and Hell

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Long ago, 

When the world embarked

On its journey to hell, 

There lived a warrior, 

A shield bearer, 

But on heaven and hell

He would dwell.

So he went to a saint, 

Named master Zen; 

"Oh master! Is there a heaven? 

Is there a hell? "

Then asked master Zen

"Who are you, are you a thief? "

"No master! To the emperor, I am the samurai chief"

With a strange grin, said Master Zen

"With a beggar's face, 

You are the king's disgrace, 

You told a lie, 

You aren't a Samurai"

With the gall so new

His sword he drew, 

But with a mind so calm

Said the master well

"Here open the gates of hell"

With his eyes abashed, 

His pride mashed

The warrior sheathed his sword, 

To the master he bowed, 

And With a similar grin, 

Said Master Zen

"Here open the gates of heaven" 

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