Such a stereotypical, played out notion
of happiness being portrayed and cultivated today
cemented into our very process of thought
meant to socialize us throughout our young lives
meant to satisfy us throughout our adult lives
meant to stifle us throughout our elderly lives
its stretch is universal

There's a painting on the wall, an american one
with swedish descent, germanic upbringings
latin flavors, cultivated in indian spices
peruvian vanguards set to caribbean backdrops
african childhoods and european adolescents
japanese cuisine on fine china plates
each one is a part of you

As much of a part of you as its native origins
they are your grains of rice, the utmost sustenance
there is no need for ketchup on meat and potatoes
there is no need for semantics in the dish we care for most
there is no need for judgements before the taste test
yet, there is need for acceptance

There is a shortage of this quality among humans
blood drive, AB(-), donors needed in emergency facilities
stage is set for receptiveness, all you have to do is breathe
with each breath comes a deep seated primal benevolence
with each breath comes fire, burning in the rain
with each breath comes an unwillingness to retreat
with each breath comes
humanity

Food waste rejected by starving stomaches
fashions change sooner than the senses
decibels break through ear drums already mute
soap poured down the drain by dry, sedimentary hands
wafted scents go un-fragranced, for lack of perfume
make up poured to cover up already perfect molds

Happiness is love
not just for one another, but for life
not just for experience, but for insight into the unknown
not just for each other, to which you owe the world
but for the world itself, which owes us nothing
it'll happen when you least expect it
perhaps right after your first breath
and right before your last
my question to the eccentric is

Why would you wait till then