April 5, 2016

HAPPINESS

It can be described but not defined. Yet

we can try to put happiness into words -

but it’s better to sit back on a back porch -

on an early April morning and just watch,

just listen: God’s orchestra is playing.

OK history can appear in the air - in inner

sounds and sights as well. Our story is

like everyone’s history: war and peace,

moving carts into bloody fields to pick

up the casualties and to bury the dead.

Happiness calls for forgiveness, table

talk, listening, listening, and laughing.

Or take a nice nature walk. Just  let

the good memories and good moments

take over. We know them. We know

when all is well - and not so well. 

Happiness has to do with work: education,
training, a good job, making a living, skills,
talents, out of work, looking for a job, 
favoritism, retirement, a second job.

Happiness has to do with control: in control,
out of control, can't control, feelings when
I think I'm being controlled or just ignored.

Happiness always has to do with people -
with that one person we have problems
with. It's always one - okay two at times -
and with people whom we know we can’t 

live without - and we tell them that - 

with food - yes food is necessary. A good

meal - good bread - good wine - a solid

table - strong chairs - time - communion. 

Add ice cream.... Come to think about it,

happiness is an aftertaste - so add a piece

of peach pie - if apple pie is not around.

© Andy Costello, Reflections, 2016