If you don’t enjoy what you have,
how could you be happier with more?

#23 HAPPIER

I don’t want more.
I don’t need more.
Platitudes.
Rectangular, white gauze platitudes
stuck on and on yourself
to bandage disappointment.

It is not enough.
It is never enough.
Reality always
pulls you back to reveal the sore.

When
savoring the oil and vinegar salad
happens at our picnic,
when
summer grass curls delighted toes,
when
the lantern lifted during noel caroling
catches visible breaths released
with joy into the wintery air

then

our shared laughter
will change bitter dressings
into sweet abundance
unasked.