I ask you if you’re Happy
You say that you ALMOST are ...
But for that deal still stuck in the pipeline; 
The car you’ve had your eye on;
Of someday getting into the privileged fold 
With a house in a gated neighbourhood. 

I ask you if you’re Hopeful 
You say that you ALMOST are ...
But for the country’s socio-economic situation; 
The children’s future; their education;
And, oh your eternally dismal luck! 
Your lottery ticket is always a dud.

I ask you if you’re at Peace 
You say that you ALMOST are ...
But for the fear of contracting a dire disease; 
Of neighboring countries planning a seige; 
And that infernal noisy discord!
from the red duplex across the road.

I ask you if you’re Alive
You say that of course you are! 
You’re breathing, you’re living;
You’re thinking, you’re worrying;
you’re working, you’re hurrying;
You’re planning and hedging
Against what might be coming...

Stop!     Breathe ....      Listen ....

Open up your mind and your heart;  
Cast off the spell of your self-doubting trance; 
Quit just living, and come gloriously ALIVE!
Be happy and be hopeful even as you strive;
Face the sun, take control of this time, seize the day, 
The magic is NOW, not in your ‘morrows or yesterdays.