For Joy Poem by RIC BASTASA

NOW THAT you have grown older
do not shy away from the possibility that happiness can still be
within the hold of your hands
that your lips can still be red and all alive
for the next kiss
no matter how late love
can be,

do not look back
you might fall to the past that
keeps on pulling you
to the arms of
grief

It was not at all your fault that the flower
of love wilted
too early

He was the sun that came at the wrong time
and did not notice
how sweet can you be
at sunset

Now, another moon has noticed
the beauty of your
petals
the sweetest scent that only comes
when the night is
deep and
so silent

Walk under its light
feel the warmth of its rays
close your eyes and feel
once again
how love can be stronger and sweeter
after the first pain