I wanted to share a poem that has always resonated deeply with me, even though my life circumstances are quite different from those of a vagabond. Robert Louis Stevenson's The Vagabond speaks to a philosophy of life that I hold dear—a life rich in experiences, freedom, and connection to the natural world, rather than in material possessions or societal expectations.
Here’s the poem:
While I am not a vagabond—I am blessed with a comfortable home, a loving wife who is also my best friend, and enough to meet my needs—this poem mirrors my philosophy of life. It reminds me that true wealth lies not in material abundance but in the freedom to live authentically, to embrace the journey, and to find joy in the simple, uncharted moments of life.The Vagabond
Robert Louis Stevenson
Give to me the life I love,
Let the lave go by me,
Give the jolly heaven above
And the byway nigh me.
Bed in the bush with stars to see,
Bread I dip in the river —
There's the life for a man like me,
There's the life for ever.
Let the blow fall soon or late,
Let what will be o'er me;
Give the face of earth around
And the road before me.
Wealth I seek not, hope nor love,
Nor a friend to know me;
All I seek, the heaven above
And the road below me.
Or let autumn fall on me
Where afield I linger,
Silencing the bird on tree,
Biting the blue finger;
White as meal the frosty field —
Warm the fireside haven —
Not to autumn will I yield,
Not to winter even!
Let the blow fall soon or late,
Let what will be o'er me;
Give the face of earth around,
And the road before me.
Wealth I ask not, hope, nor love,
Nor a friend to know me.
All I ask, the heaven above
And the road below me.
Stevenson’s words evoke a longing for a life unburdened by excess, where the road ahead and the sky above are enough to sustain the soul. It’s a call to live intentionally, to prioritize experiences over possessions, and to find beauty in the essentials. This resonates deeply with the minimalist ethos we explore in this forum.
For me, the poem also highlights the importance of balance. While I cherish the warmth of my fireside haven, I also yearn for the open road and the stars above. It’s a reminder that simplicity doesn’t mean deprivation—it means choosing what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this poem and how it speaks to your own journey toward simplicity. Do you, like me, find inspiration in the vagabond’s spirit? How do you balance the comforts of home with the call of adventure? Let’s discuss how we can weave this poetic wisdom into our daily lives, crafting a life that’s as intentional and meaningful as a well-crafted verse.