Happily Discontent

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Happily Discontent Poetry Contest, Sponsored by Kai Michael Neumann. Date written: 04/17/2025


     millions...
             of dollars 
in bank account;
he's a wealthy man, yet 
            true happiness 
       proves 
much too expensive 
       for him;
a walking paradox 
impossible 
      to reconcile. 
to the ends of the earth
he goes 
     painting 
r a d i a n t smiles 
             on faces 
on a quotidian basis, yet 
            doesn't wear 
      much of his own. 
    an expert pretender
convincing 
all and sundry
     that all is fine, yet 
            suffers 
         in silence. 
       when does 
the smirking mask fall off?
          may the Lord 
bring healing sunshine 
        to this man 
                 laughing 
with the world, yet 
    crying 
         alone.

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Valsa George

Date: 4/20/2025 9:53:00 PM

Laughing with the world, yet crying alone. This is unfortunately the situation with many in our world of sham and pretences. Money or wealth can't bring us true satisfaction. Very many rich people paint a smile on their faces, but may be weeping inside. A blatant truth. Dear Edward, your poem is beautiful in content and lovely in alignment.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/19/2025 7:55:00 PM

Wow. Why didn't I think of this. It is an excellent way to write on the contrasttive sounding title. Very well written!

Edward Ibeh
Date: 4/20/2025 8:20:00 AM

Thank you very much, Andrea:-)

Sotto Poet

Date: 4/19/2025 12:00:00 PM

Possessing substantial wealth or an extravagant vehicle is not needed for genuine pleasure. Your statements express apprehension; yet, I consider this to be a transient notion rooted in metaphor and fiction. Much appreciate your wonderful comment and placement in your contest, dear friend Edward

Edward Ibeh
Date: 4/20/2025 8:22:00 AM

Thank you very much for the feedback and visit, Lasaad:-)

Lin Lane

Date: 4/17/2025 11:59:00 AM

Some people just don't get it, Edward. What it takes to be truly happy is not money in the bank, a fancy car. But it's evident in your lines that you do.

Edward Ibeh
Date: 4/20/2025 8:21:00 AM

Thank you very much for the lovely visit, Lin:-)