Poemattic: Poetry and Art for the Soul

Carl Sandburg is one of my favorite poets. In honor of National Poetry Month I would like to share one of his poems. The title is what we all seek in life.

HAPPINESS

I asked my professors who teach the meaning of life to tell

me what happiness is.

And I went to famous executives who boss the work of

thousands of men.

They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though

I was trying to fool with them.

And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along

the Des Plaines River.

And I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with

their women and children and a keg of beer and

an accordion.

– Carl Sandburg

 

Carl August Sandburg was an American poet, writer, and editor. He won three Pulitzer Prizes: two for his poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln. Wikipedia

What is happiness to you? This is what it is to me. Write a Poem. 

My mother taught me about happiness one day.

She did not know I was watching her.

She spoke to the Daisies in her garden

and praised them. They began to dance.

Mom was never one to smile a lot

but that day she smiled the day away.

I too delight at the sight of daisies.

They put a smile on my face because

I will never forget

what happiness looks like.

– Melba Christie