“What is it?” She asked
“What is what?” He replied
“What is happiness?” She demanded
“Hmm,” he mumbled, as his voice slowly died

“Is it having a lot of friends
So that you’re never alone?
Or is it being comfortable by yourself
So that true loneliness is never known?”

“Why are you asking?”
The happy old man inquired
But the little girl pushed on
For the answer she desired

“Is it being exceptionally beautiful
So that I’m what all the boys wish to acquire?
Or is it being extremely diligent
So that I can achieve any goal of which I desire?”

“But why are you asking?”
The happy old man repeated
“Just answer my questions!”
The little girl pleaded

“Is it being rich and famous
So people dream of being me?
Or is it being modest and humble
So that I never endure envy?”

“But why do you worry?”
The happy old man queried
“It’s important to me!”
The little girl parried

“Is it getting good grades
So that I can get into Harvard?
Or is it playing lots of sports
So that I won’t be a nerd?”

“But why do you ask?”
The happy man investigated
“Just answer my questions!”
The vexed girl reiterated

“Is it having sexual relations
With an attractive boy?
Or is it having an emotional connection
Full of love, friendship and joy?”

“Listen”
The happy old man gently said
“Put on your pajamas
And just go to bed”

“But you haven’t answered my questions!”
The little girl yelled furiously
To which the old man replied
“Let me finish, and you’ll see”

“Wake up in the morning
And go about your day
But never forget to be kind to others
Even if it means going out of your way

Furthermore, have empathy
For you are unaware of the struggles of others
So treat each person
As if you were sisters or brothers

Finally,
Love people incessantly
This, my child, I promise
Will make you truly happy”