The Pursuit of Happiness (The Shy Guest)

So many are mingling.
The sounds of happiness.
The pursuit of happiness.
A tranquil joy.

They speak unguarded.
Laugh, without hesitant.
Strangers communicating without suspicion.

Moving about the room;
Some hand in hand, as though in private.

Strange to me.
I sat still.
I sat quiet.
I sat mesmerized.

They do so without thought, without concentration.
So small for them.
Such a little thing to them.

Not for me.
Why not me?

It’s everything.
I would give anything.
It’s what I’ve hoped for; even dreamed in dreams.

It is my…
Pursuit of Happiness.