The Arts

Thanksgiving, 2005

(11/25/05)

To be given just enough

Surely is the greatest gift.

Yet how I’ve carped, complained, and cried,

Feeling my just share denied!

Sour resentment poisoned thought;

Envy and desire did naught

But conceal from me this truth:

I am given just enough.

Humble shelter, simple food,

Form not beautiful but good;

Pain enough to mortify,

Mindfulness that I’m to die;

Work for sustenance, not wealth,

Lest matter overshadow health;

Solitude, my natural state,

Scant society abates;

Love not passionate, but kind

Leaves me room to know my mind.

Just enough to soul sustain

Might free the spirit and the brain;

Keep one restless, yet at peace;

True abundance is just this.

Softly I’ll draw breath and sing

To see life in strict balance swing.

- Submitted by Emily Murphey