Ode to a Quiet and Content Life

Happy the soul who lives apart,
With peaceful mind and gentle heart,
Who seeks no fame, who craves no show,
But lets the busy world pass slow.

Far from the crowd and noisy streets,
Where pride and endless struggle meets,
He builds his home in silent place,
And lives a life of simple grace.

No heavy dreams disturb his rest,
No burning wish within his chest,
Content with little, free from care,
He breathes the calm of open air.

The golden sun begins his day,
With tender light and warmth so gay,
The birds awake with cheerful song,
And guide his quiet steps along.

Green fields stretch wide before his eyes,
Soft clouds drift slowly through the skies,
The rivers hum a gentle tune,
That echoes soft from morn to noon.

No greed can touch his peaceful soul,
No worldly race can take control,
For he has learned the sweetest art—
To find true joy within the heart.

Books become his dearest friend,
On them his thoughtful hours he spends,
In silent thoughts his mind grows wise,
Like stars that shine in darkened skies.

When evening falls with cooling breeze,
And shadows dance among the trees,
He sits alone yet not in pain,
For peace like rain fills every vein.

No fear of loss, no grief of gain,
No hidden sorrow, silent pain,
For he who lives in nature’s way,
Finds light within both night and day.

So let me choose this quiet part,
A simple life, a steady heart,
Unknown to fame, untouched by strife,
Yet rich in peace—that is true life.

And when my final hour draws near,
No restless thought, no trace of fear,
For I shall leave this world behind,
With silent peace within my mind.
                                          Sulakshana Dutta