According to Buddha

Real happiness can stand the challenge of all outer experiences. When you can bear the crucifixions of others’ wrongs against you and still return love and forgiveness; and when you can keep that divine inner peace intact despite all painful thrusts of outer circumstance, then you shall know this happiness.

i grew up here all of my life
but i dreamed someday i’d go
where the blue eyed girls and red guitars
and the naked rivers flow

i’m not all i thought i’d be
i’ve always stayed around
and i’ve been as far as mercy and grand
frozen to the ground

***

barn outside of etown ~ Edmonton, Alberta ~ March ~ 2018