The Edge of Happiness

Happiness exists on the edge of despair
things held
just so
balanced on what is happening now
the fullness of the heart
the depth of the mind

I find from time to time
myself balanced there
being so content
in my tiny house
in my simple life

While also wanting company
while also wanting success
while also wanting things to be just slightly different

I stare down
at the bowl of despair

sometimes sliding into its white milk
and oatey flakes

sometimes laughing as I tip toe around the rim
looking with subtle satisfaction at how carefully I tread

sometimes sitting gently
with one leg
on each side

here and now
future and past

it’s so simple
to sit on the edge of despair

so simple to fall in

this happiness is so simple
and perhaps that’s the lesson I most need to learn