JOY LUCK
by Neo Blaqness
Have you ever
come so close
to happiness
that you could
literally taste it
by its aroma
on a morning breeze
a scent that fills
your belly’s hunger
from loneliness
putting your mind
at ease
that the full course
would soon emerge
from the kitchen of life
on platters
full of favorites
up to that moment denied
with a salivating smile
and quickening heart
you sit at joy’s table
all ready to start
cleansing your palate
with a brief sip of wine
inhaling deeply
only to discern
by the smoke
slowly creeping
that your meal
has been
burned