The Happy Wanderer

The stars shine brighter away from the city lights; My load feels lighter sleeping in an open field at night; The air smells fresher with no exhaust from passing cars; I get more pleasure wishing upon a shooting star. Mornings are more cheerful when song birds are your alarm; I somehow become tearful with the splendor of Mother Nature’s charm; Bathing in sparkling lakes seem to get me much more clean; I enjoy the water’s taste when gathered from a fresh flowing stream. The backpack is no problem when a mountain vista is my goal; My pains are no longer throbb’n purified by my inner soul; Problems seem to melt away each step deeper in the wilderness; It is here I could always stay immersed in total happiness. The skies appear a deeper blue when framed by evergreens; The flowers have a sharper hue with colors I’ve seldom seen; Simple foods taste exquisite when hunger is earned through exercise; I contemplate why I exist with each and every new surprise. Conveniences of home I do not miss one little bit; I never feel alone I have God to converse with; I could stay out here for days and forget the calendar; It’s out there that my thought stays - I’m the happy wanderer. by Joe Flach, written and posted on 9/29/2011 for Francine's contest.