What Is Happiness? Poem by Rowenna Ravenclaw

What Is Happiness?
A question I always ask.
Is it written on a smile,
Or hidden behind the mask?
Is it something like giving a toddler a lollipop,
A fleeting smile, a joyful hop?
Is it the greatness you achieve,
Or the dreams you believe?
Is it something that can be seen,
Or a silence tugged between?
Is it the upward curve of the lips,
Or is it the ache that never slips?
Is it something the riches give,
Or simply the will to live?
Is it selfish to want it near,
Or human to hold it dear?
Is it something that starts to grow
When your parents' pride shows?
Is it felt when you're on top of the podium,
Bathed in light, the world a spectrum?
Is it the grades that make you feel
Like your worth is somewhat real?
Is it earned when your homework's done,
And straight A's mean you've won?
Is it the craving of a soul
That somehow makes us whole?
Is it the toxic love that binds,
Or the freedom that the heart still finds?
Is it the tears you hide,
Behind the smile you've tried?
Is it felt when duties end,
And my heart can mend?
Is it something the poor can feel,
Or is it limited to the rich only?
Is it still worthy to be happy,
When the one who was your joy no longer wants you near?
Is it felt in the lonely nights,
Where there are no "ifs and mights"?
Does happiness come with an expiry date—
A moment destined to dissipate?
Is it the pain you silence down,
Wearing calm like a crown?
Is it felt in the school days,
In laughter and in carefree plays?
Is it the boastful cheer,
Or the moments held dear?
Is it earned like trust,
Or is it in simple feelings of lust?
Is it found in moments small and rare,
In quiet breaths of simple care?
Is it felt when you've won something,
Or in the peace that quiets suffering?
Is it the feeling you get when you're finally fitting in,
Or the quiet ache of hiding what's within?
Is it getting allowed to go out with your friends,
When laughter feels like a means to an end?
Is it in shared jokes and stolen time,
In memories that don't need to rhyme?
Is it something that is forced,
Or something freely sourced?
Is it worth being happy to let go,
Even if it hurts me so?

I think it is the quiet in the chaos,
The calm that follows the storm inside.
Or perhaps it's the feeling you get
When you're with someone you love.
I think it is the time I spend with them,
Those quiet moments that need no words,
When everything feels a little lighter,
And happiness is simply being together.
I think it is the laughter shared with Mom,
As we cook and whisper stories,
Gossiping softly about our family.
I think it is the late-night talks with my best friend,
When the world quiets down and we share our truths.
I think it is felt when your math teacher
Humiliates your crush in front of the class,
For not knowing the value of sin 30—
And your heart breaks quietly with his.
A stranger once said, "HAPPINESS = INTERNAL SATISFACTION, "
And honestly, I think I agree

I won't regret being happy, right?
Even if it's a fleeting light. ~Sai Sridhula