A Gamin Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

When I became of full age
I studied books by men sage
So many ways to ponder
Roads leading up and yonder
As life ground me to powder
I pushed and strove yet harder
Till there was no more climbing
No paths or roads up-winding

Collapsing near some ditches
Legs red with scrapes and itches
I knew my life was rending
All great ambition ending
And then I heard a rustling
A child ran skipping singing
He stopped and saw me crying
His eyes were large and caring

"Don't be sad, " he said brightly
And then he ran off sprightly
That's when I saw a highway
Paved with the gold of sun-rays
It was too frail for walking
Nor was it meant for touching
I felt my heart now welling
A spirit in me dwelling

Then all my cares were lifted
With hope and love was gifted
Today you'll find me walking
With friends and strangers talking
There is no rush or hurry
No place to reach or scurry
Who could have guessed a gamin
Would end my spirit's famine?