and more to come

and what do you do

when you’re roasting marshmallows

surrounding the fire

surrounded by love

the flames and the stories are warm

the night like a soft blanket

savouring the s’mores

savouring the moment

you tilt your head back

to look at the spiraling stars

and it’s the happiest you’ve ever been.

and what do you do

when you’re in the backyard

eating apples and carrots

from the trees and the earth

yellow leaves nearly as bright

as the kids’ joyful spirits

small faces smudged

with dirt and sunbeams

running and laughing

and tumbling on the grass

you inhale the autumn air

listening to the laughter

swirling all around you

and it’s the happiest you’ve ever been.

and what do you do

when you’re driving down a gravel road

windows down, sun up high

golden fields flying past

underneath a perfect blue sky

the road goes on forever

and each song is inside your chest

you are freer than free

wind dancing through your hair

you watch the world paint itself

before your eyes

and it’s the happiest you’ve ever been.

and what do you do

when you’re at a downtown restaurant

lights low, conversations soft

brick walls and unwalled hearts

people around you, sipping cocktails

books waiting to be opened

people around you, smiling gently

the people you admire so much

looking admiringly at you

and you realize you’re home

the city, with more sparkling lights

than the night sky itself

is home

you sip your drink

and it’s the happiest you’ve ever been.

what do you do

when you can feel

your heart swelling

when in your veins

flows golden joy

when you realize

life is perfect

you close your eyes

you take a breath

and you’re the happiest you’ve ever been.