i learned to smile
really, smile
for there is so much to be happy about
i read a book
and another, and another
for i wished to enlighten myself
i paid attention to the little things
the way the trees turn crimson and gold
when autumn forces its way in
i watched you laugh
and her laugh, and him laugh
and saw joy in its simplest form
i held the hand
of the person i felt most comfortable with
for affection is my favorite form of affirmation