Each life is like a structure
we erect and live within -
with each component telling
what we are and what we've been.
Our precious tool, intelligence,
to often goes to waste.
We fall prey to indolence,
or build in foolish haste.
And some of us, quite madly,
are consumed by education -
We build citadels, then sadly,
live in dream-world Isolation.
I perceive the rich, full life
as neither hovel, nor a castle.
It's build of simple joy and strife
by neither tyrant nor a vassal.
Kindness is it's "master plan"
to shun selfish aspirations.
It's foundation is respect for man
to endure for generations.
Its strength is in its solid oak
of humility and grace.
Vanity, like gaudy, gold baroque,
Is not found within this place.
To support each beam and rafter,
Love permeates its walls.
Its rooms are made of Laughter
to echo through its halls.
Its roof, the most demanding,
sheds the vicissitude of years.
Its built of understanding
to weather frailty and fears.
It's maintained by Moderation
without gloom or wild emotion,
To quell fear and trepidation
for old age and time's corrosion.
Though it's kept in good Repair,
It's never "prissy" neat.
There's a  loving pet's stray hair
and the smudge of children's feet.
Its decor is hearty humor
and constant conversation.
But it ignores all vicious rumor
to preserve its reputation.
Its landscape is hospitality
for friends from everywhere.
Its trees bear the fruit of charity
For those less fortunate to share.
So, full life is no bare residence!
It BURSTS with years of decency
of kindness, love . . . and evidence
Of what "Man" should STRIVE to be!
(Unlike wanton fools like me...)
By "Old Magoo"