Day 12 12 steps to happiness

The 12 step guide to happiness

It was April then, a mean cold snap -
I listened to my wife,
her voice birdsong in Germany-

this happiness of yours
will wreck your life; you know a man your age
ought to be restless.

I told her I was awed by things I saw:
the everyday of sun yolk on raw skyshell,
the brilliance of us shining in our heads.

We met at the Church Hall, evangelist no frills,
sat with our cold coffee, plastic cups

One laughing man among us stacked them high,
an architect of makeshift, such an optimist

Said, I was once a happy fool like you,
bluebirds wherever, rainbows, bleeding hearts-
I 'll help you make a start at being unhappy

Close your ears to music, plug with wax,
Shut your eyes to beauty, awful, lovely.

Don't get used to comfort, hug yourself,
never close your eyes, consider vastness,
your happy smallness in it

You are an island , fine black ash for sand,
You are a bad worst enemy, try hating

Set an end date, meet it prompt by working
all the hours you have and keep on going

Don't love, but if you do love, hope it hurts you
Keep your hope in jam jars, swimming slowly.

Remember dear, the old familiar motto:
a pessimist is never disappointed.

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