‘Tis a Gift
In simplicity we are free
That is a claim
And it’s a good one
If bemusing
Because I think we might
Be tempted to take it
Numerically
That simplicity means less
(and it does)
And having less is freeing
Of counting
Of cleaning
And of time
But I wonder
(still I wonder)
If simplicity means more than less
C L Couch
Simple Gifts
(attributed to the Shakers)
‘Tis a gift to be simple,
‘Tis a gift to be free,
‘Tis a gift to come down where
we ought to be;
And when we find ourselves
In the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love
and delight
When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we shan’t
be ashamed;
To turn, turn will be our delight
‘Til by turning, turning we
end up right
(cited by recollection; I’ve heard “’Tis the gift” sung and “turn ‘twill be our delight”)
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