Paul S. Gifford

MISERY

Are there boundaries of misery?
If you transcend into the deepest bowels,
of the pit of misery itself-
is there a discernible point of no return?
A one way ticket into a living and permanent Hell?
Or is everything a complete illusion anyhow?
A mere state of tormented mind.
Perhaps happiness only exists
When you believe it to be so…
Regardless of events, circumstances and material possessions.
Or maybe losing everything is the secret to complete contentment,
and it is only the meandering transition,
from the state of have to have not
that generates heartbreak and an overwhelming sense of loss.
Whatever the reality.
I find myself in the midst of that journey.
Imminent divorce,
insurmountable debt,
ailing father,
impending homelessness,
and a diminished desire to get out bed each morning.
Only in the losing do you appreciate all you had.
Only in the heartbreak do you truly understand love
And only in sickness is the wealth of health truly prized.

And such is the lesson of life.