The place where less is more
.
There is a land where tarweng* grows
In fields of verdant green,
Where mountains soar into the sky
And spirits dwell unseen.
When every little child is born
On dusty bamboo floor
And doesn’t cost a King’s ransom
In this place where less is more.
Where food is plucked from spreading bough
Or coaxed from underground.
Gifts from the heart of Mother Earth.
Simplicity profound.
No learning forced in cloistered rooms
Of things you could ignore.
They sit at the feet of elders
In this place where less is more.
Then when it comes your time to die.
The ancestors to join.
A transition seamless, touching,
Without exchange of coin.
The cortege moves on bare brown feet,
For these people rich not poor,
The currency of love prevails
In this place where less is more.
.
.
* Xanthosoma saggittifolium
.
Copyright 2014 GOF.
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I have a special file full of GOF poetry.
This one gave me goosebumps.
Beautiful.
Thank you Lauri. This damn thing woke me up at 3 am and demanded to be written. Perhaps it is best that I don’t know why.
Beautiful, GOF.
Thank you Kim.
Beautiful, GOF!
Thanks MT
I picture sea chanty music in the background! Sounds like a song sung at sea……
It should perhaps be sung whilst under the influence of alcohol…… 🙂
Love your poem. “Less is more” is one of my favourite sayings. It drives hubby mad, especially when I’m referring to chocolate cake. 🙂
Thank you a2p. Re chocolate cake….there are always exceptions to the ‘less is more’ rule. 🙂
How is it that you are not the official Poet Laureate of Australia?
Very nice.
Thank you GOM.
Q.”How is it that you are not the official Poet Laureate of Australia?”
A. Next year they’ll call upon my wit,
‘Cos the Laureate now just writes shit.
Excellent GOF. The sentiments expressed are so true – especially the story-telling as a way of learning – we ‘civilized’ places have lost something valuable there.
Thank you Emjay. These cultures have a lot to teach us…..if only we would look and listen.
This really is beautiful and poignant. Your poetry really is lyrical and rich 🙂
Thank you Judy.