It's National Poetry Month

"Knowledge is free at libraries, but you have to bring your own container."--Anonymous

Yesterday, a librarian reminded me of that.

I dedicate this scrap from my poem "The Museum of Coincidence" to that librarian and all librarians, including those who work in museums. 

III.

I went seeking the bats of happiness.

For the longest time I found only air:

baskets filled with air

and stirrups that once might have

balanced a warrior, but now

only air.

A ceremonial vessel shaped like a rhinoceros

full of air

The birthday dress of a tiny daughter

with striped sleeves meaning happiness

full of air

And then I did find

the bats of happiness

in a little hallway leading to the stairs.

Not the same saucer

with red bats and peaches and a small boy,

but another dish of happiness,

five sorts of happiness,

although I remain reluctant to count my blessings.

And I found, too,

a magpie in a plum tree,

which is happiness up to the eyebrows.

If you want happiness beyond that

you may need a hat.

Or you may consider that the Tibetans

find the skull to be a well-made vessel

without any potter’s thumbprint in the clay.

It could be a tea cup

or you could mix paint in it

or you could put extra happiness in it

if it comes to that.

Lucky, you, with a well-made vessel close at hand.