Ten Cents Worth

[Gunslinger]

I still recall, when, as a child,
I dreamed of grown-up things.
Then after I discovered books-
My fancy did take wings.

I was one with legionnaires-
Who marched to Caesars whim:
Or pioneers at some stockade-
A warrior’s charge to stem.

I dreamed of love as boys do-
But love eluded me.
I strived to tell myself ‘twas best-
That I be fancy free.

While searching near, and searching far-
I could not find the way-
That led me to true happiness,
And cannot to this day.

When asked if I were happy,
I had to think a bit-
And contemplate my feelings-
For an answer that would fit.

I’m not “unhappy” I replied-
I guess I am content-
To get ten cents worth out of life-
For every dime I’ve spent.

[David W. Parsley]

Hi GS, welcome to the forum.  I knew a lady once who used to offer "not unhappy" as a way to describe life during those times when one is just "holding serve", so to speak.  And investment professionals would possibly observe, "Well, at least you preserved your principal."  But I understand the desire to see a greater return on investment, "how [things] should be."  I look forward to hearing more on that, as well as the rest.

 - David 

[tonyv]

On 5/3/2021 at 10:03 PM, Gunslinger said:

... While searching near, and searching far-
I could not find the way-
That led me to true happiness,
And cannot to this day ...

I guess I am content-
To get ten cents worth out of life-
For every dime I’ve spent.

I can't even say that I have this bittersweet equation to enjoy in my own life; I have nothing to show in the conventional sense. Yet when I consider all I have squandered, I have few real regrets. My only significant regrets persist around those occasions when I've wronged God by having hurt others. 

Very nice work, Gunslinger. Welcome to the forum.

Tony

[dcmarti1]

"Not unhappy" just might be the best existential reply I have ever heard.

A thoughtful piece, and a welcomed piece.

And hello from TX, too.

[Gunslinger]

Thank you.