Simple Pleasures

There are so many roles to be played in this world,
And so many lives to be lived.
Though over the years they may change a bit,
We always have something to give.

Whether time, or money, or love and support,
It seems to never end.
For though Man loves his independence,
On each other we must depend.

The babe in his mother’s arms can tell
How tough this old world is.
Without her touch and loving breast
It’s cruel; oh yes it is!

Though over the years we learn and grow
And accomplish more and more,
Still we must have fellow men
To help our paths be sure.

The butcher, the tailor, the petrol maker
Must help us every day,
To feed, to clothe, to transport ourselves,
To live in our “own” way.

The more gadgets we make to distance ourselves
And live without any other,
The closer we get to those faceless names
Who help us forget our brother.

With computers, faxes, modems and phones,
We don’t have to look in the eyes
Of the people we must depend on
To live our so many lives.

Someone has called this progress?
We are civilized?
I beg to differ on these points!
I hope you’ll realize.

It’s easy to end a man’s job and pay
When his family you’ve never seen.
We sleep in our beds much better at night
When we don’t hear Jr.’s pleas.

And Mom’s a little old and feeble?
So put her in a home.
It’s what those folks have trained for,
I’m sure that she won’t know.

I have to have my house in the ‘burbs
Complete with garden tub.
So put the little ones in daycare;
I’ll be a part-time Mum.

Does anyone see where this is going?
Our bouts of selfishness?
Crime, divorce, dysfunction and shame –
Is this our progressive bliss?

No thank you, my country! Take your gifts back!
Simple pleasures are all I need.
A smile, a pat, a helping hand –
On those I will feed.

For in the end as I lay down my head
That last and final time,
My son’s laughter and husband’s love
Will be my gift to mankind.