Heather Pound

Today I choose to gather

Dewy fresh, not yet dried by the sun

Soft green stems, unaffected by wind

Bits and pieces, present; but often brushed aside, unnoticed—Joy

I will gather, not because it is scarce, but because without it

What is a life to be lived?

It is the food that sustains us, yet we try to survive

With stolen morsels, a guilty pleasure

Quickly consumed lest someone else notice

Then back to more important things at hand

~~~~

But what is a life without joy?

Grasp it by the face and kiss its mouth

It is companionship not only sweet, but

Necessary to ease the cracks in our souls

To soften calloused flesh within

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I will gather joy now while it may be found

Like jewels layered beneath thick autumn leaves

Not really hidden, yet inconspicuous, unseen

Until you pay attention and catch the glimmer

Where the sun breaks through the trees and shines

And bending down you rustle and grasp that which sparkles

To put it in your pocket

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——-let gathering joy become a habit.