Contentment

Contentment
P K Routray
Edited by P Gaan

A man was lying flat in a sea beach,
Singing in his own tune beyond any one’s mental reach.
Either the man seemed under intoxication,
Or happy, contented and in state of total relaxation.
No worry for family and botheration for none,
Merrily he was bubbling as if he has everything in million.
“Who are you?” asked a passing traveler,
The traveler seemed to act as his sincere well-wisher.
“I am Daniel, a fisherman.”
“How do you earn your livelihood, and what is the size of family you have got?”
“Daily I catch fish with my net and boat
I have a family of three,
We live in a house built by me.
Pointing to a temporary hamlet Daniel said with glee.
To further query on his idleness and idle time by the traveler,
Daniel told he has earned his bread for the day and enjoying the time with beer.
The traveler advised him to work more,
So that he would save further.
For making a good house and a prospering business and to save for his need in future,
After which he can enjoy his life and rest in peace without worry and fear.
To such an advice, the fisher man listened carefully,
Thought for a while and laughed loudly,
And promptly came his reply “As things are not sure, Why should I lose my time and energy?’
To run after mirage, why should I be crazy?
Now I have body, mind and senses capable to enjoy,
If I wait to earn as you tell, my excitement in life will die.
Now I am getting the same peace and bliss, why further should I try?
Time is uncertain; we don’t know where will be we and why?
When we plan many things, greed forces its way and make real need to die.”
Greed will grow and the need will grow, so also worries and anxiety,
Then where will be time and where will be energy to live in peace, happiness and simplicity?
The Traveller was dumbstruck and had no words further to say,
He only weighed both sides and heaved a breath of sigh.
Contentment is the key to happiness, mental peace does it brings,
A common man of daily toil is happier than a king.