Need

How often have I heard
(Or said),
“I need this” or
“I need that?”
Everyone seems to know
Exactly what they need.

Or do they?

Truthfully,
Over the years
I seem to need less.
Yes, some of that
Is because I have more
Than in my younger years.
Higher wages,
More stuff,
More baggage.
Instead of saying,
“I need this,”
I can now –
At least occasionally –
Ask or surmise
What others need
And respond to that.
Somehow,
That makes me feel
Far less needy,
Able to say,
“There’s nothing I really 
Need.
I have enough.”

Which is why I will
Probably never understand
Those who keep needing 
More.

More power.
More influence.
More money.
And to what end?
Are they satisfied?
Or do they keep saying,
“I need.”
And is it really need,
Or is it want?
For some,
It’s such a fine line.

Sometimes I might
Wish for something,
But that wish is usually
Fleeting.
Do I really need anything?

I think I prefer it this way,
Not being needy.

Perhaps someday
I will find myself in need.
Who knows?
Maybe I’d just learn
To live with less,
To survive with just
What I really need.

And wouldn’t I be 
Happier
Than those who constantly
“Need” more?