the jolly painter came to visit, one day.
he painted smileys upon the walls of my house -

then another and another,
and another until
i was forced
to spread my smileys
about.

now, were they merited -
these radiant
marvelous things -
marking my walls with
their swelling brilliance

or were they,
simply,
of Karma's duty -

blossoms flowering,
just as they should?

whichever, however,
whenever, whatever,
i'm not quite sure
but i like the allure

they bring
strength to my stem
and quiet the mayhem,
i live in,

so i think,
my dear,
i shall take them.