The Simple Life

a poem by Jan Oskar Hansen

It’s the simple life! easy things
walking in the forest and picking flowers in the glen;
not sit in a posh hotel drinking tea
and nobly bend my little finger.

It’s the simple life! easy things
reading a book while you arrange flowers in a blue vase
telling me about your beloved aunt,
the gentle hum of your voice soothes me.

It’s the simple life! easy things
watching Brazilian soaps with you,
when you patiently explain who’s in love with whom
and why they are emotional and scream so much.

It’s the simple life! easy things
the pleasure of your company,
restless thoughts crowd my mind
when you’re not near
and I fear that you don’t like me anymore.