If none of this makes sense, well then

 

To be happy

you must name your children

after wolves

or parakeets

(see them run, see them hunt, see them chirp and fly).

 

To be happy, truly,

you must go out after dark

and squint

until you see something

(you know what I mean).

 

What I’m telling you is,

to be happy

you must grab a bag of Cheetos

 

and crayons

and sit poolside

like a loony

whispering love notes

to the sky

 

(write them down,

make a poem

in color,

and lick your fingers).

 

Just do it.

You’ll feel better,

trust me.

 

 

© 2025 Jennifer Wagner