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Open Poetry #48
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JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana

0 posted 2012-10-15 07:08 AM


            

I've come to the conclusion
it is impossible to make someone happy.
Matters not what we say or do,
or to whomever we say or do it to.
Happiness is not given by others,
it is a preference of how we choose to react.
Love from another a good example,
we surrender of our time with glee,
only because we have decided we should.
One wonders why the word love is so important to us,
it seems to bring us more pain than laughter.
The soft cresses of the winds of fate
are the same ones which churn an agitated sea.
Whatever we do alters the light,
and the air all around, some for good, some for bad.
Still, I maintain again and again,
happiness is not a present
that is in anyone's control to give away.
We can only be devoted to, and observe
our own inner life and its need
it is our life and our intentions
happily or yea, for cruelly,
forever beyond a lover's good intentions
No matter how attractive they are presented.

©October 9, 2012 / Jerry Pat Bolton


~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

[This message has been edited by JerryPat2 (10-15-2012 12:23 PM).]

© Copyright 2012 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved
Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
1 posted 2012-10-15 07:42 AM


Very wise, Jerry! We can do our best to make someone/others happy, but the result of our efforts is really up to them, it all depends on their reaction. And of course we can decide to be happy on our own in the same way. And of course nobody has the power to make us sad or unhappy, for the same reason, unless we allow them.

Great poetic offering, to take to heart.

Margherita

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
2 posted 2012-10-15 07:59 AM


Appreciate the read and response, Margherita, thank you . . .

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

ebonygirl
Member Elite
since 2011-07-14
Posts 2000
California U.S.A
3 posted 2012-10-15 09:09 AM


There is much to ponder in this word, "Happiness", JP.

Ms. E

JL
Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128
Texas, USA
4 posted 2012-10-15 09:34 AM


"Still, I maintain again and again,
happiness is not a present
that is in anyone's control to give away."

Well said, Mr. JP

JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
5 posted 2012-10-15 09:37 AM


If this causes you to ponder, Ms. E, my job is done. Thank you . . .

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
6 posted 2012-10-15 09:37 AM


Appreciate the comment, J.L. . . .

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
7 posted 2012-10-15 02:28 PM


Nice...I believe we create our happiness by giving our love to others...and I'm not talking about sex, I'm talking about giving from our hearts...James
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
8 posted 2012-10-15 02:42 PM


Absolutely, James, that is what this poem is all about. Thanks . . .

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

Lady Goodman
Member
since 2012-10-04
Posts 193

9 posted 2012-10-15 03:49 PM


It's quite a ball of twine, isn't it?

Appreciating this one much, as I have experienced others questioning my motives until I too, started questioning my motives.

That questionable state can bring on an emotional paralysis.

Well done, Jer!


JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
10 posted 2012-10-15 04:05 PM


Yep, quite a ball of twine for sure, LG. I like your new identity.

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
11 posted 2012-10-15 04:15 PM


"I don't often write about happiness... But then, I don't often write about things I've never experienced."  

I wrote that I don't know how many years back, now.  Not sure if it relates to this in anyway or not, but many, many people in my life have attempted to "make" me happy, and all to no avail.

Along the same measure, I was once told not to let my personal happiness be dependent on another persons beliefs or actions.  Only when one is happy with themself, are they capable of sharing happiness with others.  i.e.  don't let your happiness depend on how someone reacts to your actions either, even if you are just trying to make them happy.  

Not sure any of that really made sense...  but one thing I know, if they ever deside to bottle up happiness and sell it, I'll be first in line to buy.  The grass is always greener somewhere else ya know.

Thanks for starting the wheels of my brain churning, Jer.  I needed it today.

Michael

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
12 posted 2012-10-15 04:37 PM


You are quite welcome, and I am very happy that I started the wheels of your brain churning today, Michael. Over these many years I have attempted to tell myself that I was happy because it was expected of me in order to appease whoever it was that had me in their grip of "happiness," usually, no, always a woman. Men don't usually give a . . . especially if it's another man's happiness. Am I happy today. Yes. I am. Because I have lived long enough to beat back my demons and not to have such expectations as I used to have. I hope you can eventually get to where I am today, Michael, and I am still around to see it. Thanks for your comments, buddy.

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

secondhanddreampoet
Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394
a 'Universalist' !
13 posted 2012-10-20 04:29 PM


v. well said, indeed !

particularly:

"Happiness is not given by others,
   it is a preference of how we choose to react."

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
14 posted 2012-10-20 04:51 PM


Thank you Bruce, I appreciate your comments. I am not posting on PiP these days, decided I needed some time of from the blue room. Thanks again . . .

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

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