“THE SIMPLE LIFE”

The idea for this Blog came after reading a poem in a recent Mothers’ Union Collection of prayers and poems.^1.  The poem was called “A Simple Life”, and the writer, Margaret Shoemark, stated that all she wanted was a simple life.  She then went on to expand on what this meant to her. Much of it focussed on what she possessed in relation to others.

She concluded that all she wanted was just enough to satisfy her own needs and share with others. She believed she had riches perhaps beyond measure and trusted Jesus to give joy and peace and everything else.

A Simple Life

A simple life is all I ask

that God will grant this day.

Just enough to meet my needs

and some to give away

just enough and some to share

with those whose bowl is empty.

Compared to many in this world

I know that I have plenty.

I’m grateful for the things I have,

I have no need for more.

I pray my heart will always be an ever-open door,

to welcome friends and strangers

that I meet along life’s way.

And as I do, I’m sure that I will meet with Christ each day.

For I am certain beyond doubt

that I am rich indeed.

For Jesus gives me joy and peace

And everything I need.

Margaret Shoemark, Stafford St Paul’s Mothers’ Union

As I was thinking about this, an insistent tune, recalled from my youth, kept running through my head.  The title was “Give me the Simple Life”.  In fact, I now can’t get the tune out of my mind! Whilst the words may sound a bit corny to our ears today, there are a couple of lines that I think are memorable. 

“A house that rings with joy and laughter And the ones you love inside.”

The complete lyric (poem) follows. The words are by Harry Ruby, and the music by Rube Bloom.  It was used in the 1946 film, “Wake up and Dream”. This is a link to a sung version by Ella Fitzgerald: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KPrxPZJrSQ

Give me the simple life

 I don't believe in frettin' and grievin'; 

Why mess around with strife? 

 I never was cut out to step and strut out. 

 Give me the simple life.

Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant. 

Those things roll off my knife; 

Just serve me tomatoes; and mashed potatoes; 

Give me the simple life.

A cottage small is all I'm after, 

Not one that's spacious and wide. 

A house that rings with joy and laughter 

And the ones you love inside.

Some like the high road, I like the low road, 

Free from the care and strife. 

Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeedy; 

Give me the simple life.

And finally, a poem by the Welsh poet William H Davies, who is probably best known for his poem called “Leisure” – the opening couplet for which runs:

“What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare”.

 But I have selected another of his short poems appropriately called “A Plain Life”. In this he reminds us of some of the things which we may associate with a rich and sophisticated life. So, things like gold, precious stones, fine wine, etc.  He compares them in turn with simpler, plainer things the world can offer. Instead of gold we have abundant sunshine!  Interestingly, Davies at one stage early on in his life was heading to the Klondyke (California) to join the gold mining frenzy. Unfortunately, he lost a leg clambering on a moving railway truck. So that was one hope that didn’t mature. Instead, he turned to poetry!

A Plain Life

No idle gold — since this fine sun, my friend, 

Is no mean miser, but doth freely spend.

No precious stones — since these green mornings show, 

Without a charge, their pearls where’er I go.

No lifeless books — since birds with their sweet tongues 

Will read aloud to me their happier songs.

No painted scenes — since clouds can change their skies 

A hundred times a day to please my eyes.

No headstrong wine — since, when I drink, the spring 

Into my eager ears will softly sing.

No surplus clothes — since every simple beast 

Can teach me to be happy with the least.

All three poems seem to express what many may look for in life in slightly different ways – simplicity, and pleasure without too much conflict and complexity.

Perhaps that is something we would welcome today?

Contributed by Roger Verrall, 23^rd August 2021

Sources:

1. In “Dear Lord…” A new collection of prayers and poems from Mothers’ Union members across the world. First Edition, Mothers’ Union 2018
2. Wikipedia
3. English Verse.com