Sunday Afternoon Poem

We live in a time of awareness. Becoming aware of how the others live and what their struggles are. How do I help the person with special needs or mental illness? What can we do for the addict or the poor? What do we do about crime, hate, injustice? What if the best we can do is offer a kind word, a hug or a meal? What if the addict or person with mental illness is me or a friend or family member? What if? What’s next? If not me then who? Easy questions to ask but what about the actions involved? It’s altogether different getting up and making a difference. If there is only one thing I can do, at least I can be kind. I can not judge other’s choices. I can smile and give encouragement. If that’s the only thing we can do, that’s enough. 

The pursuit of happiness is an American right, but is it possible to achieve? If not, maybe we should check our idea of what happiness looks like. Houses are just sticks and stones, diamonds aren’t rare. Don’t fall for it. Happiness is a gentle breeze and a cup of coffee, my child’s laughter. It’s health and mental wellness. It’s love and lovemaking, it’s caring for someone and being cared for. It is creating something good. 

Maybe I think too much but I can’t help it. When I sit down to write I want to write smart, interesting, profound thoughts but just the act of writing is profound. Are we looking to someone else for our own personal happiness? True happiness comes from within, learning every day how to live simply and recognize simplistic joy. 

What do I need every day? A little food, a lot of water, music, art, my girl. Sunshine, windchimes, Gerbera daisies, little backyard treats. Honeysuckle, peonies, butterfly bush, bees, butterflies, the smell of bacon. Herbs, greens, weeds growing up from beneath us, living only for our enjoyment and nourishment. For that I am grateful. I’m ever more thankful for the simple and complex nature of nature. To whom or what do we give thanks? 

 Turns out, after close examination, roses and honeysuckle and butterflies need our praise and care. The symbiosis of species, basic breathing dynamics, good in–bad out. Waste your breath on flora and receive from her all the delights she has to offer. Thank you rose for your beauty and fragrance and essential oxygen. Honeysuckle, I love you! Take all the CO2 from my dirty lungs. Gerberas, I can’t get enough of you.

It works for people too. Babs, you are the best one! Yes, you are! KLMc, I’m beyond thankful for and to you. KDC, thank you for everything, most of all for being a good man. N, you continue to amaze us with the depths of your abilities and generosity, I’m so glad our souls found each other. Wasting time and breath on truth and beauty are the basics of a life well lived. Thank yourself and be grateful every moment for something, anything. 

Freedom rings in my ears, singing a sweet song. Birds singing love songs on a perfect breeze, that’s what freedom sounds like to me. Quiet time, listening, hearing, learning, knowing. Knowing freedom comes with responsibilities and yet this time, the risk is worth the reward. Next time we may not be so lucky. Next time.

Keeping freedom, being free is hard-won on the backs of those souls who were and are humane, kind and useful. I’m in charge of my freedom. I choose my reactions and responses to life’s valleys and mountains. 

Staying free depends on my reactions, responses, and responsibilities. We only have ourselves to depend on, if we are truly free. Resourcefulness helps and relationships too; healthy relationships with other free people.

Perpetuate freedom, teach people to be free. Encourage, support and participate with someone who is less free than you, party with someone who is freer. Be thankful for the freedom and courage it takes to pursue happiness.