The Traveler Poem by John F. English

I have wondered long in this world
Seen great cities in east and west
And although I've seen Paris and Rome
The spires of Istanbul and Tehran
They lack something when seen alone
I have walked this earth a lonely man

I have met many good people
Both on the road and off it
In pubs, temples and grassy plains
And shared many a laugh and drink
Yet in fellowship my heart often pains
When alone you have time to think

Everywhere I go I see hands held
Lovers walking and talking with passion
While i, trailing by, feel empty inside
Is it too much to wish for someone
And not feel that loves desire has lied?
Before it ever begun, is love undone?

I travel on, seeing many more things
The Himalayas, the Buddhas tooth
The rice fields of China and Tibet
I may have learned the way of Tao
Yet every Juliet makes me upset
Must I go further, or end it now?

I will go on, these is still much to see
More friends to meet and wish farewell
More rivers to cross and mountains climb
Perhaps the look of love may still come
Inspiring in me a better rhyme
And if not then to death I shall succumb