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.

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Laura Belin: Iowa Politics with Laura Belin, Windsor Heights

Doug Burns: The Iowa Mercury, Carroll

Dave Busiek: Dave Busiek on Media, Des Moines

Art Cullen: Art Cullen’s Notebook, Storm Lake

Suzanna de Baca Dispatches from the Heartland, Huxley

Debra Engle: A Whole New World, Madison County

Julie Gammack: Julie Gammack’s Iowa Potluck, Des Moines and Okoboji

Jody Gifford: Benign Inspiration, West Des Moines

Beth Hoffman: In the Dirt, Lovilla

Dana James: New Black Iowa, Des Moines

Robert Leonard: Deep Midwest: Politics and Culture, Bussey

Chuck Offenburger: Iowa Boy Chuck Offenburger, Jefferson and Des Moines

Barry Piatt: Barry Piatt on Politics-Behind the Curtain, Washington, D.C.

Mary Swander: Mary Swander’s Buggy Land, Kalona

Mary Swander: Mary Swander’s Emerging Voices

Cheryl Tevis: Unfinished Business, Boone County

Ed Tibbetts: Along the Mississippi, Davenport

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