Today I met a frail old man
A silver beard and golden tan
And he had the happiest smile
Said he left a good life behind

So I went and asked him then
What made him so content within
I asked what we needed most
For joy before becoming ghosts

''All we need is water and food
Some friends and a lover true
Time to think and read and ponder
Little solitude and time to wonder''

But then with a wistful grin
A sort of sadness and longing
He said in a trembling voice
''My boy I think you have a choice'

I only lied and pretended
I am not happy nor contended
It has been now long enough
Some can make do without love''