Happiness Is

a properly aged rail fence
time for a second cup of coffee
then getting there just as the
transportation arrives
while remembering that you
did indeed close the gate
in that prized rail fence
and later arriving back
things just as when you left
kids staring as if seeing
you for the first time
then rushing at you
wife in the window holding
up that special dish now
whatever else you may think
that is close to happiness
but write me and tell me anyway

–Wendell Metzger

And So

it was decided that a vacation
from us was just the ticket
and back across the continent
I went flying and upon arrival
ripped up the living room carpet
beat the sofa to pieces with a
sledge hammer (I couldn’t carry
it and wouldn’t come apart
naturally) all of it far too
old and mighty dusty that is
what love can do to you I know
it did to me why I actually
fixed things up for almost a
first time and very long overdue
hoor-ray for love and let there be
more forever more and that day

–Wendell Metzger