Defeat, My Defeat by Khalil Gibran

Defeat, My Defeat

My solitude and aloofness

you are dearer to me than a thousand triumphs,

and sweeter to me than all world-glory.

Defeat, My defeat

My self knowledge and my defiance,

through you I know that I am yet young and swift of foot

and not to be trapped by withering laurels.

And in you I have found aloneness

And the joy of being shunned and scorned.

Defeat, My Defeat 

My shinng sword and shield,

In your eyes that I have read

That to be enthroned is to be enslaved.

And to be understood is to be enslaved.

And to be grasped is but to reach one's fullness.

And like a ripe fruit to fall and be consumed.