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!

[Pete Langley]

Good on yer girl! Slap down those killjoys! A great little fillip for us all tied up in a tight little verse. P.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Pete! :)

[quinfinn]

a powerful and much needed injection of common sense and decency...bravo!

[Rita L. Sev]

Oh, if only common sense was more common... Thank you, Quin. :)

[Angel]

You always manage to tell me what I need most to hear...
(sigh)
A beautiful and timely message. Well written and beautifully phrased.
Well done!

[Rita L. Sev]

I think we all need to remember this, Angel. Thank you!

[B-poet]

I liked direction you were going in while showcasing your overall theme in terms of self preservation. Great work. A morale boosting write and read. :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, BP!

[ShelleyA]

Hi Rita. A beautiful write and message. Good imagery and flow. Nice use of metaphor. Flow is good as is the line to line transition and breaks. Very nice rhythm. Good rhyme. Perfect masculine end line rhyme that is executed with precision in this piece. Good depth of feeling; you express what one should do when others try to cause trouble in our lives. Very good advice. I can relate. Good word choice and use of dialogue. Good closing lines. Well penned. Write on!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Shelley. I am glad you could relate to this.

[ShelleyA]

You're very welcome, Rita.

[Nancy]

I could see the pirate and i exchanging words already, though mine had us fencing( hehehe)...this is a good piece and i love your play with words, also love the use of medieval language
I warn you, though, if you find joy
in stealing others’ mirth,
you will find no peace of mind,
which is of greater worth.”

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Nancy. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece!