Ambushed by Joy

I have been fortunate enough to see joy in those around me

It’s in the eyes of a child when his father or mother picks him up an swings him around

It’s on the face of he whose beloved is in sight or in thought

It’s in the sunrise, as the sun’s radiance flushes the darkness away

It’s in the rain, refreshingly real

It’s in the laughter of friends

And in the hands of the dedicated worker

It’s in my father’s smile when he speaks of me

And in my mother’s warm embrace

And in Sunday lunch

I see it around me

Everywhere

But I still fight it;

I keep it from getting into me

Afraid that it may be a passing illusion

A child’s game

Fool’s play

Then you came along and I yearn for it once more

I did not see or expect it

My choice was to walk this path with you

Your gift for me was

Joy