The problem with the pursuit of happiness
is that it is;
a toil ridden sweaty hot pursuit,
a source-less slippery stench,
One that chases after happiness forgot it's too fast to catch.
Instead we chase our tails, catching a whiff
of a finish line reminiscent of balderdash.
As school children, we are taught in P.E.
that running is healthy,
being faster is better, stronger and longer are nonpareil-
little champions know about the first loser.
While perfecting running on empty in inalienable circles-
where spirals suck you in.
The starting line begins,
when we race time.
We play tag, choosing the easiest one to get,
then let the others worry about “It”.
When we graduate into adulthood,
recess and foot races are no longer requisite,
we only exercise our volition
when we are being chased,
as the object of hot pursuit.
So many wonder if they chose the wrong path that leads
to a dead-end having no thru exit.
All of our roads are dead-ends.
So many are sick and tired
of being sad and fat.
Anchored with obesity to our happy oblivion,
sedentary, leaden with obligation,
dwellers in the city of Circumstance,
in slums with condemned hearts-
they should move-
but are often frozen in icy ennui.
One must be cold before searching for fire.
Burning bridges from Discontent on the way out,
a one-way ticket is the only available option-
blurring what's left of a vacant vista, right-
no longer
where you left it.
The right of hot pursuit,
is just an alternate route.
You must know what you seek,
before Happiness gives you a peak.
Image of painting by Giulio Romano [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons, Mars chasing Adonis from Venus's Pavillion.
