I do not know what weight joy might be
Nor how long a measure I might need
To own this that gives such succor to me
To sign it up, to add signature to deed
But there is this that I scoop up in palms,
I give it numbers, oohs and awes
A tick of time, a ream of psalms,
I measure now that which was.
Author notes
I don't know how to measure happiness. The issue is happiness, there is no other issue, or no other issue one has a right to think about for other people, to think about politically, but I don't know how to measure happiness.
— George Oppen, Letter to June Oppen Degnan, August 5, 1970
painting by joy griffins
In a list
A contest entry
- 20 Minutes - 4 - Amaze me ( Rhyme Only This Time) by Cupcrazy.
300 points, ended February 6, 2007, 14 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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the first verse here isvery strong, the second one i thought ended abruptly, just looking at it maybe say rather than was, say has gone? or has gone before. spill ink and twist me into the crazy shape of love...
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This is beautiful, I loved it. The thought of how much happiness weighs or how to measure it. Totally captivating, thank you for this great entry.
Bunny
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"But there is this that I scoop up in palms" Sighhh...Ahhh, my Sister...Your hands must be drenched from the overflowing...Beautiful, my dear Friend...Good luck in Bunny's contest, Sweetie...
Wanda
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