A Simple Life

The Simple Things
by
Edgar A. Guest


I would not be too wise-so very wise
That I must sneer at simple songs and creeds,
And let the glare of wisdom blind my eyes
To humble people and their humble needs.

I would not care to climb so high that I
Could never hear the children at their play,
Could only see the people passing by,
And never hear the cheering words they say.

I would not know too much-too much to smile
At trivial errors of the heart and hand,
Nor be too proud to play the friend the while
Nor cease to help and know and understand.

I would not care to sit upon a throne,
Or build my house upon a mountain-top,
Where I must dwell in glory all alone
And never friend come in or poor man stop.

God grant that I may live upon this earth
And face the tasks which every morning brings
And never lose the glory and the worth
Of humble service and the simple things.




I love going down to the city dock. I should do a photo essay; going at the same time everyday, and shooting what is there. Maybe when I retire - again.

Each morning, you will find the mail and passenger boats preparing for trips to Smith Island and Tangier Island. Groceries, UPS packages, personal items, all loaded on the boats for the people who come in to do their shopping on the mainland.

The wonderful thing about the dock is that no one is ever in a rush. Humble, proud people going about their duties in a zen-like way. It is place where I can go to relax, talk to the mail boat captains, and the people who come down simply to breath the fresh air and see what is doing.

I think I had rather sit on the city dock than a throne any day of the week.

Do you have a special place where you go to relax?