THIS MUCH I NEED

This much I need and little more...

A sturdy tree beside my door

To teach me fortitude through all

The winds that rise, the snows that fall;

And then, whatever else man hath,

A lovely rose beside the path

To teach me beauty when the thorns

Of life would make my mind forget.

This much I need, whatever gear

I ask God for... a comrade near

To teach me love, a friend to sit

And talk of books a little bit

And speak of folks with kindly words,

And tell the good things we have heard.

Ah, yes, this also God must send...

The quiet comfort of a friend.

This much I need, though so much more

I crave, I seek, I hunger for.

Whatever else I may desire,

I need a house, I need a fire,

A lovely rose, a sturdy tree,

And someone close to comfort me,

A bit to eat, a book to read...

Though much I ask, this much I need.

Douglas Malloch