Happiness... Poem by RIC BASTASA

To know DESPAIR
and not to dislike it somehow
because it visits us once in a while
uninvited

We cannot just drive it
because it is related to
Joy and we must all welcome
a friend of our friends
a relative of our relatives

Take Despair as is
Feed it and Give it some drinks
AT night listen to its
Hang-ups and always
make it feel
that you too studied well
your psychology
and understood
what life (and death)
is all about

It will stay for days and nights

Be flattered
Perhaps it likes the way you
deal with it

It tempts you somehow
about the beauty of Suicide
Just refuse
Say your black and white NO
Do not betray
Bliss, and Beauty and Truth
and Goodness
that you still have
inside your hands
and heart

Despair like any Creature
also Experiences boredom
and then it decides to leave you
and because you have been patient
tender
and gentle
all along
You must have noticed
that you have changed a bit
Now getting bolder
and Stronger and
Wiser
and very patient
sensitive to the
needs of others
and also listening to
the inner voice
of YOURSELF

When it leaves you
Send her some of your gifts
Tell what you feel
How it had always behaved
In your house
and how others too have behaved
The way life should be
Send her your smile
and your hugs
And make a promise that
when it comes back
You will always give it a nice
bed and board
That usual breakfast of
sunny side up fried egg
and Thai rice
and brewed coffee
the homemade ham
and baked potatoes

Now you are at home with
Yourself
Now you know how to handle
all guests
invited or uninvited
Now you know what universal
welcome is all about

Wait for your next guest
Welcome Joy.

For life is just like
a House
With guests from time to time
Be an amiable Hostess
Take pride
In your little hospitality
and Household Diplomacy
and

with your learned
Social Expertise

Where can happiness
be?

ah, it is there

in Every Nook of the House
In every line of your palm
In every lock of your hair
In every pore of
your skin.