A Rather Serene Guardrail

As I sit here on this guardrail, on this first day of the year where a jacket is not what you need to keep you warm, watching the same breeze that breathes across my cheek and whispers into my ear stir the waters before my eyes; as I hear the soft, ephemeral guitar and heartfelt voice of music for the spirit, I give the world a simple, true smile, and ponder this concept we dub happiness. It's not something one should search for, despite what you may hear; stop seeking serenity. It scampers to and fro, out of our fumbling reach, like a squirrel or rabbit darting speedily away - and like those, if a capture is ever managed, you won't know what to do with the prize. There is no way to guarantee its arrival at your door, no way to ensure you'll ever find it at all; but the chances can be increased. Ironically, my answer is to do nothing, nothing regarding it, whatsoever; live your life, how and why you choose - leave happiness to its own fey games, and maybe, one day, there it will be. In the dream you've toiled at, finally close to realization; in the friendships you've nurtured, bearing harmony beyond your former knowledge - there it is. When one you used to love, the giver of a broken heart, becomes, once again, your friend; when you forgive and forget the pain that went before, and enjoy simple companionship once more - there it is. In the work you've done, finally meaning something; in just honestly being who you really are; in a father's proud word - there it is. In the stars and the moon, peeking out for a celestial salute; in the sun, blazing bright and orange, settling on a placid lake, in a deeply soulful song - truly, there it is. This world's got one hell of a lot to offer, if only we'd remember sometimes to look at it.