happiness is different for everyone

when two lovers glittering irises have a rendezvous
after being a part for too long

when fingertips paint masterpieces on hypersensitive,
empty rib cages that forgot what it was like
for touch to make love with skin

when the sweltering, sultry coffee cools and
you feel more alive when you greet the bottom
of the porcelain mug with your satisfaction

when favorite seasons embrace the earth
{snow sleeps on eyelashes}
{the rain wakes us, reminds us to dance underneath it and laugh}
{sunshine warms us and summons freckles to decorate our shells}
{autumn addresses us to appreciate beauty and cycles}

lighting scented candles that your resting loved one always adored

when small children receive the attention from too busy parents
that are missing essential moments in their lives

purchasing things you don't need just to forget that you aren't
getting what you need that can't be bought

when the struggling find the remedy and relief
that they gave up hoping for and deciding:
"maybe i'll live a  little longer"
"love a little harder"
"hold on a little tighter"

maybe the toxicity at the end of a *****, ***, or whiskey bottle
where slurred answers are foggy and misleading

or perhaps quickly swallowing drugs without anyone seeing
so you can escape the demons that fight in your head
and prevent you sleeping when dusk surrounds you by
hiding beneath your bed

when the soldier saves their friend from the grasps
of death and prays to a god that they don't believe in

maybe happiness is the alleviation of hardship
or the state of mind that varies
whatever it is, cherish it and remember:

happiness is different for everyone