The path was long and winding
It seemed to lead nowhere,
It stretched into the distance
No one but I was there.
The trees were heavy laden
With leaves all shades of green,
And to the East the sun rose
To make this magic scene.
All seemed so quiet and peaceful,
Yet still within the air
Was a tingling, joyous feeling,
As if all life gathered there.
I walked on to the village
And stopped to chat awhile
To an old man, who looked charming
With his happy, carefree smile.
His look was of contentment
As he stood beside his door,
As if he'd found in this spot
What folk are looking for.
I didn't need to ask him,
It was written on his face
The tranquility and joy of life
He'd found in this small place.
It's not the place that matters
This thing we all can find,
It's deep within our person,
An attitude of mind.
This man has surely found it
In this lonely beauty spot,
He is rich beyond all measure
Yet possessions he has not.
Just a dog for a companion,
With beauty all around,
But even more - contentment
That in his heart he's found.