The Contented One Poem by Jürgen Wagner

A master had a garden fair
It bloomed so bright, got tender care
A sign hung by his humble gate
Invited men to contemplate:

'This plot of land to one I'll give
Content his way to be and live
Accepting life, that comes and goes -
Here he may plant his veg and rose'

A merchant strolled along the way
He read the sign, hastened to say:
'I am the man for this decree
I have it all, just look and see! '

'Good sir, I ask, if all is grand
Why crave this plot of fertile land?
When nothing seems to cause you strife
Why seek still more in your smart life? '

The man knew nothing more to say
Silent returned and went his way
Ashamed and also woken up
Thirsting for water in a cup