“It is the lives we encounter that make life worth living.”
-Guy de Maupassant

The lessons I've learned
some granted, some earned,
befell upon my soul
many in parts, some in whole.

And the paths that I sought
were simply thought.
T’was not my task
to question, but to ask.

With great wisdom to impart,
the sage spoke of his heart.
And how it grew in the sun,
as he watched the river run.

The carpenter’s will
was to hone his skill
by observing his peers
throughout the years.

The healer cured the ill
through holistic means, not a pill.
For the body will never grow
if you treat it, but ignore the soul.

The banker loaned this advice
Spend once, but save twice.    
That to earn your day of leisure,
work comes before pleasure.

The peasant had no riches to give,
materials to offer or home to live.
But she spoke of another time and place
one of honor, love and grace.

The farmer’s hand
was blessed by the land.
Whose gifts were fruits grown
from tiny seeds sown.

With the utmost diligence and care,
I chronicled these affairs.
My notebook, weathered and worn,
frayed about the edges and slightly torn.

In the distance, a faint light
grew closer and became very bright.  
A ringing sound filled my ear,
becoming so loud I could not hear.

The clouds started to twist and bend,
my life had come to an end.
The notebook fell from my hand,
my pen dropped and lodged in the sand.

Then came a gentle whisper in my ear
so soft a voice, yet very clear.
She said “What is important is what you left behind.
For those that never search, never will find!”