What Makes Me Happy

A Poem

Standing with my bare feet at the edge of the ocean Its cool waters caressing my feet Watching the sun setting on the horizon Seagulls overhead and all around Singing their noisy melody

Playing with my grandchildren With the only requirement being That I bring my imagination along

A baby in a carriage Face lit with joy As she looks upon her very own madonna

A father running to keep up with his young child Who for the first time is riding a bike without training wheels

An old man proudly pushing a child on a swing The boy chanting, “Higher, Papa, higher”

Kids selling lemonade

Teenagers engaged in the mating ritual

An older couple holding hands As they walk along the promenade Not needing words to communicate Content to just be together

Breaking into song With only the wind as an audience

Watching a ballet

Hugging my wife

Toasting marshmallows The taste as well as its’ attendant memories

Helping another person Even when it requires more of me Than I am comfortable giving

Spreading a blanket in a country field Watching the stars come out

Smelling wildflowers in that same field

A mother bird feeding her babies

Remembering the birth of each of our children Especially the three times it happened as planned In our home

When I can immerse myself in silence And can really listen

Coming home Knowing that my family, including the dog Will be there to greet me.