‘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”)