Stranger Lessons

I met a fellow in my travels
who spent his life, alone.
He thought, at first 'twas his good fortune
sharing not, what he did own.

Through an endless string of days, and nights
where he never thought to share,
his heart became so hardened
he lost his ability to care!

As my life continued on I found
a man with a different fate,
his list was long of current charities
giving him, yet another trait.

It seemed he'd lost through compassionate times
everything he'd ever had,
he blamed his beneficiaries for his fortune lost
and he turned bitter, and was always sad.

I then went on to meet another
journeying vagabond,
who told his stories of delight, and wit
about people he had grown so fond.

He painted a scenario
that unraveled before my eyes,
for as he added embellished details
I then saw he was spinning lies!

Completely drained from listening
I nearly knocked over another man,
who made a point of explaining
he was there to lend a hand.

He helped me find a place to rest
admired my pack sitting on the ground,
and neither he, nor my full backpack
were there when I turned around!

Liberated of my possessions
I walked back to find the road,
I now could make even better time
with no companion, and with no load!

I journeyed on for quite some time
before arriving at a park,
I slept where people just like me
found solace in the dark;

and now, I greet the vista
with it's splendor in my eyes,
understanding that without my travels
I'd never have arrived, nor grown so wise.