Simple Life

A simple life is good enough: There is much peaceful beauty In modesty, once man can laugh At trouble born of duty. Full long ago a pilgrim was Condemned to endless sailing, But then he learnt the end and cause Of all his bitter wailing. He turned to search for rest and grace Far off from his old heading, And found his peace in a calm place Whence endless waves were spreading. He thought of sharing with all men The story of his travel, But found that what befits the pen Can shatter and unravel The riddles he had chanced to solve Throughout his quest and yearning, And that mere words could not dissolve Thick layers deep with learning. He stood upon a cliff and wept To know he lacked the power To free the knowledge he had kept In life’s remotest tower. Alike, though there are old men who Have solved the heart’s great riddle, Their strength to speak may vanish too Once fear begins to middle. Find my poems and published poetry volumes at www.eton-langford.com