Love Poem: The Joys of Life
Tom Bell Avatar
Written by: Tom Bell

The Joys of Life

I spoke, in detail,
Of sadness and pain,
But where there is arid desolation
There will one day come rain
The joys of living are many
And hard to list for me,
Though I shall try,
I trust your patience I will see

My highest high, my greatest thrill,
I suspect only musicians would understand,
I wonder myself, still...
When a group "clicks" into high gear,
And you improvise together as one,
And suddenly four , five, or six,
Become as one, and you do not need any tricks...
I get goosebumps, ecstasy to the max...
No drugs, sex, love, good fortune, or manner to relax...
Can compare with it...and that says alot...
Yes, number one is easy, now it gets real hard...

I suppose you'd think love of a good mate,
Or close family....and that would be hard to top,
but I can think of one thing that does...
The unsolicited, and anonymous help
I have be fortunate enough to provide on occasion,
(I have to watch my spelling or Sue Mason will be on me
like a fly on sugar- a service, I consider, cause she keeps 
me on my toes, and I do not resent that- thank you Sue,
hope you're well, and happy holidays!!!!)
Once I saw an old woman, carefully shopping in
a deli, basics, eggs, milk, bread, etc- obviously watching each
penny- I paid her bill in advance,and then some, while she
was busy searching for something.  It gave me a high like
I guess heroin does for junkies...I have done this several times,
and the feeling I derive is awesome- and I'm no angel,
trust me.  Anyway, back to our poem.  All you new members, welcome, and yes, I 
am a madman!)

Next, true love with a mate, soulmate, one held in
your arms, who you never want to let go....and close
family.....sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, others...
and this is one male who admits women are far better
at expressing this kind of love, especially for their children.

Religion is up there...although any extremist of any
religion does not know God, no matter what his or
her protestations may claim.  (Boy, am I getting my money's worth
out of Sue Mason tonight!!!)

From this point, I think it gets too hazy, too personal,
and we daren't get too persnickety.
But if you are a member of the Soup,
you are obviously two steps ahead of most.
So welcome, and Happy Holidays to all.