A poem for today

Morning Solitude, by Piet Bekaert, 1939-2000

This poem was randomly selected by a poem-per-day site. I like it. I would add one thing to my list, though. Devotion to a God well-loved.

THE THINGS THAT CAUSE A QUIET LIFE
by Henry Howard

My friend, the things that do attain
The happy life be these, I find:
The riches left, not got with pain,
The fruitful ground; the quiet mind;

The equal friend; no grudge, no strife;
No charge of rule nor governance;
Without disease the healthy life;
The household of continuance;

The mean diet, no dainty fare;
True wisdom joined with simpleness;

The night discharged of all care,

Where wine the wit may not oppress;

The faithful wife, without debate;
Such sleeps as may beguile the night:
Content thyself with thine estate,
Neither wish death, nor fear his might.