How does it come?
Do we find it by chance?
Is it hidden from sight
Many days in the year?
Shall we know where it is
At a glance?
Does it come for an hour
And then disappear?
Does it stay only
When all's going well?
Can we catch it from others,
Like measles or mumps?
Will it come at the touch of a bell?
If we give it to others,
Without thought of self,
It will come bouncing back
That is sure.
Such a translucent thing
That some never find,
But it always is there
By your door;
It will come to our hearts in all manner of ways,
Often brought by a deed
Or a word,
By the laughter of children,
The smile on a face,
Or maybe some music we've heard;
We search throughout life
For this transparent thing,
That's elusive and unbound as air,
But just when we think
It is far out of reach
The wonder of happiness is there.