You ask for happiness as if for a gift,

You ask it to be given as a present.

Why not for the Sun; or for sand not to shift,

Or moon to remain forever a crescent?

Why not for the last year’s snow never to melt,

Why not for the withered leafs never to fall,

Indeed, why not for the rain never to pelt?

It is just as impossible after all.

It cannot be given, cannot be received,

It cannot be purchased it cannot be sold.

Believe the contrary; you remain deceived,

You’ll never be happy and never consoled.

If you want to be happy better be smart,

Look for your happiness right inside your heart.

© P. J. Oszmann (2004. Photo: Sunset in Fiji)