a smaller world

mule grazes on the hillside ignoring me
the pasture's wide enough for both of us
i've got a job to do and won't make a fuss
from the top of the hill i can descry the sea
i think of all the places to which i'd flee
but know i cannot for it was ever thus
the journeys are too long to make by bus
unlike the mule i think that i am free
yet with these chores and duties i must stay
the wisdom of this world i've got to learn
until that time i do as i'm required
there has to be a better surer way
to do much more than merely look and yearn
but at that time i was with all hope fired