HAPPINESS

Do not  bring me happiness
Let such thoughts pass quickly on
It's been  banished for so long,
I'd barely recognise its smile.

I think of  its cool in the summer's heat or
Its warmth in winter's night
As one thinks of a ship that has sailed
Out of sight or forbidden fruit too
Tall to reach however laden
The bend of the bough.

If  you  could ever  liberate
This death camp husk  from
Its starved  and shrivelled host
If you ever  unlock that leaden chest
Beware...
When freed
Happiness is too rich a treat
On which to ever  feed

Your well-intentioned intervention
Would likely  kill than cure
Your generous ministrations
Would choke  at birth
The patient heart in me.

Instead... I beg
Wean me from these midnight  dreads with Hope
Droplets of silver rather than tears
A finger tip  measure to my lips
Over the months,  perhaps the years,
Until at last  I'm ready to taste happiness again.

(c) S.  Evans 2014