A 52-week poetic adventure… |
"Tell us about a joyful moment in your life." I stand, tongue-tied. What is joy, anyway? Did I ever really feel it? Contentment, yes, mostly when I'm alone; Peaceful solitude is my favorite. To read, write, listen and create Works and words of art for myself and others. But joy? Is it the same as happiness? I long gave up on the fleeting thing called happiness. As a kid I even told myself: "The idea of happiness is a trick To make you unhappy with the present moment. Always seeking some greater high, Another fix of entertainment or vain delight." I often wonder if that conclusion Cheated me out of being a more light-hearted person Than my rather saturnine self. The joy of accomplishment, perhaps? I don't consider myself a very accomplished person, unfortunately: Many have achieved far more than me at my age. There are the stories I've written, however: Those are goals I've reached, month after month. My favorite example: Eighteen stories in two months for a project, Tales spun off of a favorite musical album. I doubted my ability to complete it, And felt delightful pride when it was done. Out of the collection, at least six won awards. I learned so much, rode a massive wave of creativity. It's my baby. So, each story I complete, Each contest I successfully submit to Anything I receive from the community Is a little bit of joy. A sense of ability, of companionship, of learning, Of something to plan for and look forward to, In what's otherwise a disorganized and chaotic life. That, for me, is joy. 38 lines, 268 words, free verse. Prompt: describe a joyful life experience of yours. At least 12 lines No form requirements |