Happiness, or the Jacaranda Tree

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Jacaranda tree in flower in Whakatāne, New Zealand: photo by Kahuroa, 12 December 2006

.........................................for Angelica


It's too late, and there are such great
Obstacles, there were always great obstacles;
At least they once seemed common, that was a relief,
So long ago, in that other now barely remembered

Place; now so difficult to recall, in which
It seemed we were somehow free 
Deluded as we were by dreams, by foolishness, youth --
By the mysterious illusion of being permitted

To do as we wished and chose -- to look beyond
Ourselves, to see what there was
To do, and to do it, or not, as the time arose;
And then, done, or not done, equally, know

It would in any event soon be over; and then
We would forget; the days would again begin,
Pass gently by, and end; in the late light
We could at last step back, draw a long deep breath,

Take in the surroundings, enjoy
The wonders of the view
From beneath the pleasant, peaceful, sheltering
Light-filtering violet shade of the lovely

Spreading, flowering jacaranda tree.

Landscape in Upper Austria: photo by Werner100359, 18 December 2010