Witnessing Joy

I will be a witness for joy

However unsophisticated and ungainly 

it may seem,

however unrefined

I will witness joy

against the voices that deny it,

those who say

you can’t have joy unless you are naive;

your joy betrays

that you’re a little blind

But I will be a witness for joy

For if it’s present here

it’s also possible

in other places

I will claim the simple joy of company

And I will claim the simple joy of music

And I will claim the simple joy of walking free

barefoot in grass, and the infusion

of a little bit of sun into the day

And I will notice:

Joy is held secure in Spirit —

ever present substance,

cause of Life’s self-affirmation —

Every living thing can feel it, hear it

Life takes joy and rises up

unceasing in ebullient celebration.

©Wendy Mulhern

May 28, 2012