Being happy was fine in groups
But she didn't try it at home
She feared it would interfere with
Work when she was writing a poem.
Now, she enjoyed getting to write
But that’s not the same thing at all—
Happiness as a theme might bore—
Her readers, she felt, deserved more.
So she pulled out the disheartened
Injured abused and disregarded;
She depicted solitude as
Exactly what she avoided.
And then she smiled and made iced tea
Sat on her deck in maple trees
Closed her eyes and overheard birds
Bees and squirrels chat in the leaves.Copyright © 2013 S.L.Chast
Oh I so know. Me, too!!!!! I can see that smile of contentment!
ReplyDeleteBut neither you nor I stick to the tough stuff in our writing and pan solitude. We have richer lives and are luckier in our audiences.
DeleteSuccess and happiness allow one the luxury of sitting back with a smile satisfied and being aware of the surroundings. The environment that throws in the support is also there plain to see. Wonderful write Susan!
ReplyDeleteHank
Yes, it is one of the places we are not really alone.
DeleteAh, there is no better place than sitting on one's deck among the maple trees!! Happiness can be found RIGHT there!!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Happy together!
DeleteI know the feeling Susan ~ Sometimes the sadness & injured gets more attention but happiness is look at as a bore ~ Still those moments of contentment are precious and simple really ~
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I think this poem needs that companion piece.
Deleteha. does happiness bore...do we need the angst, and action...i wonder....i think we have been sold an action movie over our happiness at times...i like how even though she feels the need to write angst she finds her peace after....
ReplyDelete"sold an action movie over our happiness" -- very well phrased. And not my favorite film-fare.
DeleteI enjoyed the atmosphere and that feeling of contentment!
ReplyDeleteAnd it is a poet's job to capture those moments of joy too!
ReplyDeleteTrue, true.
DeleteIt's easy to connect...such blissful moments are precious, Susan.
ReplyDeleteYes. Happy together, holding it together,
Deleterelaxing:)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting tension between the world of poetry and the world the poet lives in - perhaps a little bit of both belongs in the poetry.
ReplyDeleteYes. I hope I did that here.
DeleteWell, yes. Time to go listen to the trees :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time together.
DeleteI loved the emotional overlay here--the tension between the shoulds and the what exists---It is a blissful place---
ReplyDeleteThank you, Audrey.
DeleteNothing more soothing than a morning amidst the trees. Lovely poem!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa.
Deleteso true, poetry for the happy is hard to write and not sound sappy and contrived. It is anguish readers crave.
ReplyDeleteHmm. I wonder. See Brian's comment above.
DeleteOh. Yes. Love the title too :)
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletethought provoking lines........