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Open Poetry #6
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Whatever Makes You Happy
| Open Poetry #6 |
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Whatever Makes You Happy |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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WHATEVER MAKES YOU HAPPY < !signature-->My heart stood grieved the other day, One very unfortunate site. Laundry done the old fashioned way, A house, no electric, no light. No glass windows and no front door, No front yard, just mud and dirt. Children there holding my heart sore, I just stared at them and hurt. I thought of all that I possessed, Just how fortunate I must be. Knowing luxuries I was blessed To have waiting at home for me. One by one each face looked up, smiled, All contentment in life shown. Something shared leaving me beguiled, I've never felt so completely alone. Then one by one the eyes stared back, And all of them seeming to shine. Indeed, something that seems to lack If I choose to look back to mine. Have you ever just stopped to think What you base your happiness on? Another's heart? Paper and ink? Are these where your smile is drawn? Ever look into your own heart To weigh the truths your holding there? Is your life just the counterpart Of an ever unseen despair? What can they have that I do not? Could someone out there please tell me? I've got it all, yet don't know what It must feel like to be happy. Michael Anderson For all behind was dark and drear, And all before was night and fear. How many hours of night or day In those suspended pangs I lay, I could not tell; I scarcely knew If this were human breath I drew. Lord Byron [This message has been edited by Michael (edited 03-25-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
What makes us happy is different for each person. Only you know what makes you happy... and only you know what to do to find it. Sometimes it's enough to see someone smile to be happy. To write a good poem, to plant a beautiful flower, to watch children play, to pet your dog, to see the sun rise....only you know...... |
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Nicole Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835Florida |
I'll tell you what I base my happiness on The most important ones number few My faith in God, My beautiful girls And having a dear friend as treasured as you.  Veeeeellly interesting...My friend, your mind is a steel trap. You make profound statements with this poem, and hopefully will cause many to sit a spell and think...I know I will. N May I never be too busy to help another's load, Then I'll be drinking from the saucer 'cause my cup has overflowed. --Author Unknown |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Well Michael, they say happiness is a choice. Being content with who you are. Some seem to be able to have that "choice" come easily, while others struggle with it. I know I struggle with it. We cannot depend on others to make us 'feel' this happiness, we will always be disappointed. Look within yourself Michael, you're a strong person who's come through a lot in life. You are worth more than you could ever comprehend. I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly. God bless ya Michael! |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Children there holding my heart sore, I just stared at them and hurt. --------------- Something shared leaving me beguiled, I've never felt so completely alone. --------------- Indeed, something that seems to lack If I choose to look back to mine. ------------------ Another's heart? Paper and ink? Are these where your smile is drawn? ----------------- Ever look into your own heart To weigh the truths your holding there? Is your life just the counterpart Of an ever unseen despair? ------------------- M, I lack the words at this time to tell you how this poem effected me...after reading these words of grace from your gentle heart and poets soul... mine seem SO inadequate. take care, jm Do you live by the book, do you play by the rules Do you care what is thought by others about you If this day is all that is promised to you Do you live for the present, the future the past... tracy chapman |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Michael, Your thoughts you pen here are so thought provoking, I could see this family you talk of who seem to lack everything yet have so much. Seems the way the world goes round is the more we have the more we want, and the less we have the more we give. Seems a bit backwards but it's true in most cases. What makes any of us happy depends on what we see as important as individuals, someone might feel happy just walking down the street smiling at his neighbors, when another won't feel happy unless they are taking on the troubles of all their friends and family and trying to solve them, while yet another might feel happy to be pampered by everyone around them, never giving a thing in return. I'm happy having friends that can turn to me if they need and sometimes having the ability to help and the knowledge to know I tried. Bottom line here Michael is I think your poem is wonderful and it inspires thought. |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Gifted writing, Michael, and your message is strong and definitely one to be examined. The pursuit of happiness generally needn't take us too far away from ourselves...it is within us, we need only recognize it and accept it. Such a touching poem, my friend. ~ Claire |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Micheal, You have so much good advice above I couldn't add to it. I only know however low you go that's how high you can bounce. Great poem. |
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
The title says it love....am I allowed to say ditto here??  keep those emotions flowing...I'll be here to catch you dear!!! Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
Michael I cannot think of words to add to the replies. I just wanted you to know I read your post and find it exquisite and that it gives a person food for thought, or at least this person  Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream. Shawna R. Holder Boise, Idaho |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Michael~ Deeply in thought with this one. My happiness is found within the memories of what I've shared with another, the peace I hold in my heart today and the hope of what tomorrow brings. Most of all I believe that giving something of myself - without expecting something in return - is the key element that gives me the most happiness. Thank you for this thought-provoking piece of your talent. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Well done, Michael. [This message has been edited by suthern (edited 03-26-2000).] |
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Mistikman Senior Member
since 2000-01-10
Posts 682San Jose, CA, USA |
Ahh, happiness, that elusive foriegn emotion. I have never witnessed anything so difficult to obtain. I wish you luck in your quest to capture some for yourself, I have been trying for years. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
Yes. This goes straight to my heart, this one. I couldn't have said it better. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
If you like yourself for who you are, the rest falls into place, my friend...  |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
PdV, indeed, a lot of "little thing" can bring a smile to your face. Still, I see so many people who seem to have everything the could possibly imagine living "empty" lives... Satiate, having you as a friend is one thing I do smile about daily. I think your list could speak for many - "God & Family"... therein lies much of what I think is missing for me. Rebecca, a choice most definately... but's it can be a toughie! Janet, I felt the sincerity in you reply... you need not feel inadequate to anything I've said. L.D., This was a true family I saw when down in Honduras. I really did have to think because at the time I was vacationing with Gen, had Mikey & Christa waiting for me at home... (what more could a man want) - and yet I was SO sad inside and yet these people who "seemed" to have nothing were SO happy. It really was a call to look inside... Claire, indeed, it starts within. Sy, and I've been bouncin' all over lately... You speak wisely my friend. devina, you may ditto me all you want, dear. Wildchild, Thanks, I will see if I can come up with some dessert soon. Marge, that is a beautiful quality you possess... to be able to give without expecting. Always, I have seen hope and happiness within you. Mistik, I don't think it's something we have to struggle for my friend, just something we have to allow ourselves to accept. Nan, and what if I don't like myself?...LOL Sorry, just wanted to argue with the teacher. Thank you all for the kind replies. Michael |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Serenity is shaking her head, and smiling. If I know nothing but this, I do know that no one can tell you the way...we each have our own destiny of happiness. It's WORK--but its not. Find the "Source"--whatever that may mean to you--and bask in it...like tiny sprigs of apple-mint--it's daily dedication. It IS ALL THERE. And may I say, another incredible, thought-provoking piece? And humor my serenity tonight, for tomorrow I shall be tested on this, probably pulling my hair out! |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
This is a good piece of work! I always enjoy your writing... I think that the little things that make people the happiest are sent from God... like when a song from your favorite band comes on the radio when you are sad, when someone at a high school (gasp) actually shows kindness and compassion, things that come along like that when people need it the most. "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Happiness is what we make of it my friend....many people have found happiness in situations where others would not have found any at all. I hope you find yours |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
Michael- I am with Janet as usual on this one. You have left me almost speechless. This poem touched something in me so deep and so true. You have such an amazing gift my friend. If I had one wish for you,it would be that you find the true happiness you so deserve! Your poems always inspire me and leave me to lots of thinking. Thank you! AMY ~Live today as though it were your last but prepare for tomorrow as though it were here~ |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Wonderful poem, Michael. Very thought provoking. Contentment has nothing to do with our possessions or our talents or lack thereof. You brought out that point excellently in this! Denise |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Good thoughts here, Michael. In my book, happiness is being content with what you have and who you are. Sounds easy enough |
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kitkat Senior Member
since 2000-01-11
Posts 878Nova Scotia |
How do you find happiness? Some think it is material things that makes one happy. I agree with the above posts, Happiness must come from within ones self. The old saying- Money can't buy happiness-is very true. Accxcept what you have and find the happiness from there. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Ah Michael, you keep giving us food for thought. I imagine that if everyone has some Sunshine in their day, they forgive the rainier days; and I must interject here, for all I have, I am truly happy when I hear of the old folks talking about "the good old days" when there was much less, for at times it seems, they had much more - they had each other, their families, and God. Perhaps it is time to simplify. Hugs, Sunshine |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I wish I didn't understand this one, but unfortunately I do all to well. You wrote the feeling with heart. |
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