Key of Joy

Key of Joy

Cartwheels across Trafalgar Square
earned me a frown from passersby
but I didn't care. I was in London
and so happy I felt as if I could explode.
Sliding down the banister
in a palace in Denmark on a dare
had me land on my rump
at the feet of the royal who lived within.
He confessed he'd done it too!
Morning coffee carried outside
when the grass is wet and chilly, when
the sun is just thinking of cresting
the horizon and one has a conversation
with the birds on the feeder.
Swirling barefoot through a field of flowers,
arms outstretched, my long gown billowing,
was exhilarating even. though I cut my foot
on a sharp rock. The moment called
for a swirl and so I did, feeling beautiful.
My daughter and I singing in the car
as if the back seat was the bleachers,
with the window down on a glorious spring day
resulted in surprise applause at the stop sign.

One thing I've learned along this journey
is to always find the positives and not be
afraid of unscheduled moments
of spontaneous jubilation. Float and smile,
spin and warble and always, always
dance in the key of joy.