Welcome to August’s Poem of the Month!
I came upon this poem, and it elicited some deep thoughts about what it means to be happy. For some, happiness might likely be defined in relation to our family, our health, or even perhaps some sort of altruism or kindness. But after reading this poem, I think Carver might have hit on something: perhaps happiness, in relation to whatever area of our lives, might be that feeling of peace and balance that simply “comes on / unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really, / any early morning talk about it.”
Wishing you all profound moments of happiness that come on unexpectedly…
Warmest regards,
Stewart
Raymond Carver
(1938 – 1988)
Happiness
So early it’s still almost dark out.
I’m near the window with coffee,
and the usual early morning stuff
that passes for thought.
When I see the boy and his friend
walking up the road
to deliver the newspaper.
They wear caps and sweaters,
and one boy has a bag over his shoulder.
They are so happy
they aren’t saying anything, these boys.
I think if they could, they would take
each other’s arm.
It’s early in the morning,
and they are doing this thing together.
They come on, slowly.
The sky is taking on light,
though the moon still hangs pale over the water.
Such beauty that for a minute
death and ambition, even love,
doesn’t enter into this.
Happiness. It comes on
unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really,
any early morning talk about it.
