A Simple Life

Smoke lazily curling up from the fire,

Spreading the smell of burning wood like incense.

My father sat in the afternoon son,

Enjoying the moment being presented to him.

His book of life could not be read,

By only looking at it's cover.

It had to be read from front to back,

A simple man yet very complex.

Many were fooled by his country style,

Yet he was sophisticated in many ways.

The clothes he wore were just a shell.

Beneath was a worldly and intellegent man.

Early in life his bravery shined.

When his country called him to war.

He answered the call as many did.

Having silver wings pinned on his chest.

After twenty years of service to country,

He was striken with a bad heart.

Persueing other interests he had,

He continued his quest in life,

Into the halls of acdemia he stroll

Educated in science, math and theory.

Looking forward to the future world,

But predijuce of health became a barrier.

Not one to sit and curse his fate.

He returned to his experiences of youth.

A time when life was less complicated

And a man showed pride in a hard days work.

My father passed away many years ago.

I try to remember the lessons he taught.

To seek education and worldly knowledge,

But never forget the simpler ways of life

Randall Beers

© April 9th 2000