The Conquest of Contentment

What does it take to be happy in life?

Is it wealth or power, protection from strife?

My search has been costly on the path I've been led,

With friends by the wayside - some bitter, some dead.

My dark quest began with pain in my heart.

I'd given a gift of which they wanted no part.

My tears fell like rain on a parched, barren land

And I sank to my knees, unable to stand.

With the sun at my back, I wandered this land

Through rain and snow and dry, shifting sand.

I've witnessed the best and the worst of our race;

Some battled for life, some just to save face.

In a far distant land, a mount rose like a pyre

And a wizened old man offered friendship and fire.

He hobbled with crutches in evident pain

But the warmth of his smile was like sun after rain.

In my time spent with him, my soul seemed to soar;

I could laugh and joke as I've never before.

It suddenly struck me as we watched a lone swallow -

Choose your paths and friends wisely, and contentment will follow.