Joy does not just happen
My Hometown Poem #31
Joy does not just happen To us. We must summon it From the most mundane minutes, Like a tuxedoed magician Invoking wonder With a slight of hand. Joy does not just happen To us. We must search for it In simple sounds and simple spaces. In the creak of an opening door A sliver of yellow light A jolt of cold air on our face A warm towel against our cheek The slightly burnt bouquet Of coffee brewing The clicking sound of the spoon Against the cup. Joy does not just happen To us. We must find it In the cracks of the pavement. The musty scent Of worms after a rain Chalk drawings fading on the sidewalk A child’s brightly colored toy sprawled on a lawn. We must hear it In the streets In the honking and rumbling The arguing and laughing The choral music of dogs barking. Joy does not just happen To us. We must seek it out In the trees. The jumbled nest balancing On the most delicate branch The wren’s bright song The shimmering hummingbird Hovering over a radiant blossom. We must sense it In the piquant aroma of pine Or the strong sweet smell Of holly. On the days When injustice seems insurmountable When the evil in the world has escalated and gas and bread Cost more than The slightest wage When it is too hard to trust Or hope Or even raise your head Do not wait For monumental milestones Or miraculous events. Do not wait. Remember Joy does not just happen To us We must summon it. We must wring it out of Every second. We must demand it As a balance and a balm To the barrage of noise And chaos surrounding us. We must recognize the signs In our path. We must conjure joy Like a spell And inhabit it Wrapping ourselves In the warmest cloak of the smallest moments.
Beautiful. Thanks!
Thank you for this much-needed refresher.