Author's Notes: My new Tanka here, "Happiness," is self-explanatory from the standpoint of ideal circumstances. For me, "Happiness" signifies in essence, a positive state of mind that is well-worth the time for each and every one of us to try to strive for and maintain -- if at all possible. Unfortunately, given the realistic situations of various problems, personal relationships, and many other negative events that impact each of us as human beings -- one's true state of happiness may tend to be more variable and changeable at times. To this, I say: "Such is Life." (Gary Bateman - November 20, 2018)

Thematic Categories: allegory, blessing, confidence, emotions, future, passion, and symbolism.