You might have an image in mind when hearing the word Sage. Even if you find it difficult to describe, you might say  “I would know one when I meet one.”  For us, there’s an unmistakable energy that emanates from someone so wise and dedicated. Profound insights are uttered in simple, ordinary words. An uncommon wisdom or a sense of Truth is woven with a dash of humor. No fanfare. Every single word is delivered in calm, patient tones.

We met such a person a few months ago. Surprisingly, he’s young, rather than an older, isolated, meditator in a cave somewhere. Instead, he lives in the middle of a bustling city, and works as a barista in the local coffee shop while supporting his university studies. He wears the Sage’s robe of today’s world—a sports ball cap and T-shirt emblazoned with a random catch-phrase on the front.

Day by day and weeks later, after several cross-counter conversations, he sauntered over to join us during his break. We sensed we were in for a conversational treat. We were not disappointed.

Then, we returned after some time away to find our Work-a-day sage was gone. The only explanation offered was that he “moved on, and we don’t know where he landed.” We anticipated many more conversations, so were saddened by the news. Various philosophies remind us that wisdom resides in non-attachment. We decided his departure was good practice in letting go and appreciating brief, subtly-intriguing moments. Sometimes gurus appear, looking very much like an ordinary person just doing a regular job. We count ourselves lucky to have crossed paths to become unsuspecting conversation partners.

We imagine our friend somewhere in the city, pondering life’s conundrums with someone new, casually trading bits of inspiration. Following is our song, “Work-a-day Sage,” written in honor of the baristas out there who offer-up “deep thoughts,” alongside a steaming cup o’ joe.

Music

Lyrics

Cup o’joe, words of wisdom
Handed out for just an hourly wage
From the work-a-day sage

Today’s thoughts: the state of the Union
Woven into physics, we engage
With the work-a-day sage
We engage
With the work-a-day sage

Yesterday he spoke of the past
Greek mythology, the day before that
Wistful wisdom, casual style
Philosophy with a smile

There’s no topic that he tries to evade
Enthusiasm all over his face
Lots of laughs, absorbing talk
Always worth the walk
Philosophy with a smile

Everyday we look forward
To another story, we’ll engage
With the work-a-day sage
Day by day
The work-a-day sage

For an hourly wage
The work-a-day sage
We engage
With the work-a-day sage

Credits

Album – Ever After
Cheryl – Lyrics, music production and story
Emerson – Music, guitar, vocals and story
Inspiration – Our friendly barista
All images by authors and Gemini AI