Pursuit of Happiness

Let no one keep you from it

We dance onto a platform

where we may find our joys

stunned by those who knock it down,

staggering our poise

but up we get; go on we must

pursuing daily bliss

and when a pirate comes along

it’s best to tell him this:

“You may keep that bit of cheer

which you pilfered from my soul;

I know where there’s plenty more

which serves to make me whole.

I warn you, though, if you find joy

in stealing others’ mirth,

you will find no peace of mind,

which is of greater worth.”

Reviews

[Will]

I like the platform/ stage imagery, and I think it works for what you're going for, here. I really like the flow here, and the message is stupendous. As I read it, I couldn't help but think of Shakespeare's As You Like It: "All the world's a stage; and all the men and women merely players."

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Will! Glad you liked this, and got the message. I wasn't sure that would come through.

[Will]

Came through loud and clear!

[Angi]

You tell 'em! No one can take my thunder! Angi~

[Rita L. Sev]

Yep! :) Thanks, Angi!

[Baby Ricochet]

Loved it! Great ending too.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you!

[richom]

Genuine words of wisdom written with beautiful cadence and rhyme. Your poems are an unending source of pleasure.
On a more discouraging note: It seems that more and more people are using this site like a tweeter page, where they constantly write down everything that pops into their heads and call them poems. When we post new poems, they are almost immediately swept several pages to the rear by the deluge of these "tweeters." The result is that fewer people see our entries. Am I imagining this? And, if not, do you see any solution? Sorry for the sour note. Again, your poem is splendid. Richard

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you for your kind review on my poem, Rich. I know what you mean about the "tweeters" (not a bad description...) When I post something new, I send Read Requests to friends I think will enjoy that piece, and then it shows up on others' news feeds, and I get some reads that way, too. I am mostly interested in the opinions of my friends on the site, who I respect as writers. I guess my suggestion to you is to build up your list of friends with writers you admire, and ask them to read your work.
Hope this was helpful!

[richom]

Your suggestion was very helpful. Thank you.

[s y e]

This is awesome, Rita - I loved the imagery. I love how it flows perfectly and it just rolls as your saying it. I read it over and over again, great job.

~ Noodle ~

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much, Noodle! :)

[Aethereal]

I enjoyed the flow, rhyme, and message here. I was inspired to write the following gift poem for you. It's in 0/0/0/0/ eight syllable meter in mono-rhyme.

Stage

We dance upon the stage of life
avoiding tooth, and claw, and knife
where trouble bubble's bringing strife.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Aethereal

[SteveB]

The play must go on, just as we must persevere. Very nicely structured and penned. Well done as always Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Exactly. Thank you, Steve!

[Cassie]

This poem is so full of wisdom, I loved it.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Cassie! :)

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Well done... This was such an uplifting read, might have to visit this very often.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you; I am glad you found it uplifting!