Parched Paper

Happiness

I met happiness today, well ran into her really

I was balancing my brown paper bag, when a large Granny Smith apple made a run for it.

I was just ready to pick it up, perilously balanced on my haunches; when happiness ran by.

Shyly picking it from the pavement she extended her chubby hands and gave me my Apple

And in meeting her clear brown eyes, her shy smile she left me with a lilting tune humming in my head

I met happiness today, he sat smoking

Eyes Crinkled and thin frame neatly arranged at the bus stop

He tipped his cap at me, and said

Have you seen such a clear blue sky, it's wonderful to be old, so much time to just sit

The bus came by. You first, I said

No I will take the one at the end of my cigarette, he smiled

And I stepped into the bus, leaving all my daily cares behind, with the old man’s smile on my face

I met happiness today he had nine tattoos

Etched on his face, arms and neck. I counted while in queue to pay my bill

A serpent and musical notes collided under his chin, and disappeared into the neck off his orange T-shirt

He sat on the pavement outside the shelter, and carefully tore into exact halves a crusty looking bun

The white spotted mongrel by his side ate its share and curled into him

He munched his bit and scratched the pup behind its ears

The lady at the counter motioned to me

And I stepped forward, with a little tap-dance playing in my ribcage

It's real, that which they call happiness

It doesn't have a calling card, or listed in the phonebook

You cannot get into your car and drive to its residence

But, it's to be found

Wandering the streets and just where you were not looking

You may run into it.