Joy
By Ben Maksym
Waking up on a tired day
and lying. Not moving, just sitting.
To have no duties, no arduous ordeals
to deal with. That is joy.
Making a joke, seeing others
smile, not just to be nice, or to indulge,
but because they're actually amused.
You smile, too. That is joy.
Stroking a dog or cat or
animal of any size, shape, type,
that loves you. Not having them
run, tense, fear. That is joy.
To hear “I love you” of your
own effort, work, and patience;
to respond in kind. That is joy.
Dancing, singing, loving,
with your own child.
Seeing their sunlight smile. That is joy.
