HAPPINESS AND JOY ARE TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT THINGS FOR ME. AS, HAPPINESS LEFT...A LONG TIME AGO. I AM SUSTAINED BY JOY...WHICH COMES AND GOES. SO...THE 11TH LINE FROM THE TOP WOULD BE 'HAPPINESS' FOR ME, AND THE LAST LINE WOULD BE 'JOY'. GREAT WORK AND THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS.

I like the simple beauty of this poem. As always, your imagery is sublime.

Rebecca

What gives this poem such profundity is that it is a simple equation that those of us who have lived an eventful life full of pleasures and disappointments know well. You've reminded me that the universe only gives us what we can handle, and everything is perfect, the bad and the good. Fortunately for some of us, there is a choice of direction regardless of the event. For others... well, hopefully, they will learn that embracing it all is what makes it all tolerable and enjoyable. It's called learning and finding wisdom from the lessons.

Thank you for posting.

What a "run through" of feelings, John!! I found your words to be very calming and that's just what I needed!! Thank you for this write!!

Love ya!

Jane