Half Off on Happy
from Out With Lanterns
I watched an enormous crow gulping at my bird bath when I had a profound thought– but then my phone dinged, coupon for forty percent off some airbrushed thing– dumb thumb got tapping. So the crow brought in backup, four black wings in my periphery pulled up my head. I replied STOP, tossed the phone out of reach. Sat watching their black marble eyes then remembered! Right! The thought: What a strange, silly goal it is to want to be happy all the time. What about all the other luxurious emotions? Could I get a discount on some wonder or maybe a BOGO of awe? Could I SUBSCRIBE to some fear and a bit of disgust and shame? I don’t want to be sold happiness. I want to watch crows, feel again that flip in my belly when they both arced their wings, watched me as they flew away.
This painting is by my friend, the amazing artist and writer, Sarah McAllister.




Beautiful!
“dumb thumb got tapping.” Gah!