It’s hard, choosing to be positive
On days when feelings of melancholy sadness descend over me
Hammering negative thoughts into my mind
I’m not even talking about the bleak news of the world
Of countries torn by uncivil war
Or refugees living in squalor
And the countless heartbreaks left by natural disasters
Let alone the jackboot tactics of cynical political masters
No, it’s enough to bemoan my outcast state
Wallowing in the self-pity of the chronically alone
Wondering which cruel twist
Fate will burden me with next
I try a workout to exorcise these heavy thoughts
But no trickle of endorphins is enough to break this black spell
Even knowing that emotions are temporary and capricious
Isn’t much comfort when they are visiting
So I choose to leave these uninvited guests
And walk away to find some measure of peace in nature
Maybe I’ll hug a tree today
Since hugs are good for the soul they say
And trees run real slow
David Trudel © 2013
