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.

“Believe us they say” by Sarah McAllister

This painting is by my friend, the amazing artist and writer, Sarah McAllister.

This painting and more of her art are for sale here.