A better man

*******

These lands are taken by frivolous men

who do not see further than their glasses of wine

Men full of veiled intentions 

who fight brothers for their share of the meal

They gave me water, just enough not to die 

They gave me bread, just enough not to starve

They gave me warmth, just enough not to freeze

in the lands of the just enough

  

Being born here, I should have known the rules

Having grown up here, I should have accepted my fate

Having being nowhere but here, I should have dreamt no more

but my heart dreamed of the lands beyond the woods

But then, there came the day

when your old eyes met me on the streets

 when your soft heart decided to rescue me

when your kindness met my weariness

You took me home, and gave me more than enough to drink

You cooked for me, and gave me more than enough to eat

You clothed me, and gave me a warm bed to sleep

in the bedroom of your long-missing prodigal son

You took care of me as no one had ever done before

For seven mornings, we talked about our histories, hearts and pains

For seven afternoons, you planned to build my own bedroom
For seven evenings, you dreamed of a life with your son, you and me 

 But on the eighth day, I dreamed of the lands beyond the woods anew

On the eighth day, I realized my heart had never planned to stay

On the eighth day, my heart felt in pieces to leave you alone again

On the eighth day, I hated myself for causing you another pain

Being with you, I should have wanted to stay

Having felt your paternal love, I should have wanted no other fate

Having had the days of my life, I should have dreamt of no different days

but my heart still dreamed of the lands beyond the woods

 As I leave, I have nothing to give you but my thankful words

I have nothing to leave but a sweet and sour taste in your heart

I have nothing more to ask but that you forgive me

With nothing I have arrived, with nothing but a warmed heart I go

And when I arrive in the lands beyond the woods

I will tell my new people the story of an old gentleman

whose heart and attitude will always inspire me

to be a better man.

*******