some say life's a maze,
a battle or a race,
a stage, a prison
or even onion,
but beautiful lives
are not that hard,
at least in regard
to how one best thrives.

but you do not need
big piles of money,
being handsome or
by the world adored.
you don't need a spouse,
quite devoted to you,
doing work you choose,
or a fancy house.

but as you've been told,
have no grudges hold,
live with no regrets,
forgive and forget,
live life with candor,
to yourself be true
with the things you do,
but don't be bystander

so, pick a journey,
canvas or story.
tend your life's garden,
ferry your ocean,
canoe your river,
bicycle or skate,
but make no mistake,
do it as a giver.