What does being merry mean?

Is it as simple as feeling intensely happy

With a smile that’s three miles wide?

No. That definition doesn’t suit my fancy.

Sure, extreme delight is quite the sight

But I don’t believe feeling overjoyed is necessary.

Excitement and elation are good and fun.

But they tend to obscure serenity.

There’s something else about that special feeling

Apart from a general optimism.

Being merry implies a special sort of attitude

Towards oneself and your fellow men and women.

It’s the emotion of the holiday season;

Not a feeling that just any time can warrant.

It’s something like the warmth of daybreak;

Golden hope emerging from the night with warmth.

As for me when I’m feeling the most merry

Has to be when I’m immersed in your affection.

It’s then when I know life’s misery and woes aren’t tantamount

To the tranquil peace between pain and purpose’s intersection.

Your love helps me see past the mists and darkness

Through to the belief that we are doing what’s right;

Sharing our griefs and dreams while we go on enduring

For the sake of our mutual love and delight.

25 December 2018