INTERESTING PIECE. WELL, 'HAPPINESS' AND I ARE NOT FRIENDS, AT ALL...IT'S REALLY TOO UNDEPENDABLE. I MEAN, IT'S HERE ONE MOMENT, GONE THE NEXT. GIVE ME 'JOY', NOW THAT'S A GOOD CONVERSATION TOPIC, BECAUSE IT STAYS AROUND, ALBEIT...THE FROWNS. THANKS FOR THE SHARE. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS.

John, I really love this poem. It is rich with ingredients of the human condition and point of view…angles from which happenings are seen. I see what Ron is saying, and I can add my take = that it could well define the consideration if the two words ‘for you’ are added to the last two lines of stanza 5. ,,,,,untruths (for you) …truths (for you). Also I like Odin’s take about valuing what is ‘within’ ourselves. This whole piece of yours rings of open-mindedness. And, John, the art of writing gives from us to others in so many ways; e.g. your Sunday March 7, 2024 poem on my wall: Questions Someone Asked:
“What will happen tomorrow?
No one can tell.
Will you accept what happens?
As singing accepted by a bell.”

Yes, accept, because it already happened, but responding is what can happen after that, I’d say. Keep writing, like the quartet on the deck of the Titanic, ok? ~~ djl

I like the openness expressed in this poem but I find one couple that bothers me…

"Speak to me of certainties
And I will regard them as truths."

Especially online, but everywhere, there are influencers that spread their truth as though they have corralled it as their own. Especially the emperor in chief. It's dangerous to believe what is coming out of these talking heads.

Ron

We should always listen then decide for ourselves whether to embrace what we hear or discard it. Isn't that the purpose of discourse?

Rebecca

This poem is a stark reminder that happiness doesn't come easily. I am struck with the thought that an outside voice, influence, human or otherwise, may be the long road to happiness. For until one comes to grips with the many ways the person in search can call up an inner debate, a q and a that often, in my experience, maintains an insistence that is not tainted by coming from the outside. I've learned the greatest happiness is finding errors and successes within and allowing them to be lessons, often bestowing knowledge that in turn... most often... has self-love and self-happiness dressed around the edges. Of course, that is just me. It could be wrong for others. See what your list of ideas did. Hopefully, other readers will find its stimulation as well.