Happiness, like tinder, takes to flame and heat,

Bursting forth in splendor, then fading in retreat.

Like a scalding brazier, whose warmth encompasses,

Source of endless leisure, whose none else surpasses.

Yet still small joy, ephemeral, fading ghost of yesterday

Presence merely temporal, quickly passing far away.

Golden sheen, all consumed, as morning mists at dawn --

Common life then resumed, epiphany forever gone.

Cherish then every joy, treasure then each day's lot,

Celebrate every toil, that purpose be not forgot.