Others seek the Midas touch,
But I find joy in the simple things,
I've never wanted much.
To see a bird perched on a tree,
Singing its song of spring,
Or a kitten with a ball of yarn,
The sound of a church bell's ring.
The rain gently falling on my roof,
A child's laugh, loud and clear,
The first burst of color in my flower bed,
Those things I find so dear.
The rainbow when the shower stops,
Watching a butterfly dart,
Receiving a smile from a tiny babe,
Will always lighten my heart.
A walk through the woods on a summer day,
With pine needles under my feet,
Singing songs around an open fire,
Can fill me with feelings so sweet.
To have someone ask, "How are you?"
And really seem to care,
Receiving a hug when I'm feeling blue,
Having a hand wipe a tear.
I tend to wonder now and then,
Just what makes some people tick,
They're rushing here, they're rushing there,
It's no wonder that they get sick.
They don't take the time to give a smile,
They never seem to stop...
And smell the roses....oh so sweet,
They have to be on top.
They can have all that, it's not for me,
Now, don't think I am lazy,
For I work quite hard inside my home,
Yet, I've time to smell the daisy.
Don't think that I don't do my share,
That the world is passing me by,
Before you judge, just let me state
That my road's been hard, here's why.
For many years, fear held me tight,
It just wouldn't let me go,
I took no joy from anything,
My life seemed filled with woe.
Each day would bring me deep despair,
Fear made my life a hell,
I couldn't go outside my home,
I was just an empty shell.
A shadow, so withdrawn and scared,
There was nothing in my life,
A being...oh so non-descript,
Filled with stress and strife,
But things have changed, now I can see
What life is all about,
I never wish for material things,
And I never sit and pout.
I'm just so glad to be out of the dark,
And I hope that's where I'll stay,
So I can appreciate the simple things,
That get me through each day.
So please, don't rush and run about,
Take time to pause and see,
The wonderful things around you,
And the best part is...they're free.
by Eileen Power
©copyright 1988
