Well it’s about time there was some happiness

A poem in response to news that happiness is on the rise

Photo: Suzanna de Baca

This week CNN reported on the happiest countries in the world (Denmark is #1) and showed data indicating benevolence has increased 34% over the last 3 years. That hopeful news inspired this poem.

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Well it’s about time there was some happiness
In the world because it’s seemed so bleak and hopeless
What with the pandemic and war and upheaval and earthquakes
Just seems like no joy could grow in such darkness
When we’ve been living in cracks in the sidewalk

But the light and the water trickled down 
And tiny bits of happiness emerge like weeds crawling up from the crevasses
Nourished by neighbors who sprinkle benevolence,
Who stop with casseroles and cinnamon rolls
When they hear you need some help
Who wave as they walk their dogs, the lady at work 
Who asks about your mother’s health

Even if there are still low clouds rumbling above
And unbearable sadness and sorrow all around
The sun peeks out slightly 
A small glimmer of smile, nurtured by friends
Who shovel your drive when you’re sick, the mechanic who notices
Your burned out headlight and fixes it and says don’t worry about it, no charge
The guy next door who says no problem to pick up your mail
When you’re traveling, and you realize you’re traveling again

You’re feeling like you can exhale now, taking just a slightly
Deeper breath, after years of gasping
And you must breathe
You must open your eyes wide, you cannot wait
It’s time now, time to grasp at the joy right in front of you
To see it was there all along, even in the dim light
It’s never too late for a little bit of happiness

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