An Inspired Poem: Postponing Joy

I have been called impatient,
always reaching, always moving
a restless pulse against the silence,
always reaching for more.

But what for?

I’ve let joy sit on the shelf,
saving it for later,
as if it were a fine wine
needing time to be worthy.

I have mistaken desire for indulgence,
seen longing as something to be tamed,
told myself the struggle was noble,
that ease was something I had to earn.

But joy is not a prize at the end of effort,
It’s not a luxury for another season.
It is here, in the quiet moment,
in the breath I take before the next step.

No more postponing, no more waiting.
I will sip from the cup of now,
unafraid to taste its sweetness.