I Want to Write Happy Poetry

I want to write happy poetry
For people are by nature meant to be happy
I want to tell of my son’s warm embrace
and of my daughter in love
and the bliss of
her naiveté.

Of going to a henna party for a bride to be
Of her friends in outrageous outfits
dancing and carefree
Of her grandmother’s apparent disapproval
but inwardly as proud as can be.
Of traditional trills and henna etchings
And neighbors watching from their balcony.

Of my cousin in labor
And the arrival of little Ali
Of playful dolphins
And the warm waters of the Red Sea
Of nights of typing and hard work
And finally getting my Masters degree

I want to count blessings and flaunt happiness
And hang it all out for everyone to see
But then a dark memory blocks the sunshine
And its melancholic showers drench me