Made in Your Shade

Assume the joy already here,
Unless you’re in too much pain.
Don’t attempt to lure it in.

It’s not that susceptible
To bromides or platitudes.
But it, strangely, hangs around.

It’s like a mist or a ghost
As you might imagine one.
You can’t argue with a mist.

You can’t lecture happiness.
But you can throw a shadow
Of your own cut from the sun

And say, look! It’s grey right here,
Already here, I knew it!