I lost my fortune and thought life had treated me badly.
I wished for things I had, remembering them sadly.
I met a man who described his greater misfortune,
having lost even more, but hoped for better soon.

I lost my family and wondered if I would again find love.
I longed for the little things it seemed came from above.
I met a man who had suffered this and much more,
who seemed to offer promise of greater things in store.

I lost my health and was no longer my sufficient self,
as if life had placed me in the dark, on the back shelf.
I met a man on his way back up and asked where I would go.
He smiled and told me that my way was only mine to know.

I lost all hope and wished my life would quickly meet its end.
I called for mercy, from someone, somewhere, relief to send.
I met a man who seemed to have even less reason to try,
yet he did not seem to mind his state, and I asked him why.

Even though apparently in misery, he told me in a state of bliss,
of how fortunate he felt, knowing there is no worse than this.
I shook his hand, gathered my few things, and drank from his cup,
now knowing that the only direction left to travel is back up.

© copyright 2008 mikeramsey