April 23, 2026

Joy Never Leaves Sadness

What is my default?
Sadness
Joy
Delight
Compression
Empty awaiting flow of each moment…

Superstition itches me
I don’t believe in avoided or
Stepped-on cracks breaking my
Mother’s back

I do dwell within the conundrum
Of off-sighted yearbook sentiment,
“I am master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul”
Henley, part of his leg cut off from
Tuberculosis fill his bones,
Spilled laughter, inspired
Fantasy and color—he
Did not regrow a leg,
That is left to octopus

He fills his soul with poetry
He did not captain a ship to
Lands without despair
Joy never leaves sadness

Dance here too—both ask,
call, demand voice—there are
No stepchildren—all are my children
And I carlettajoywalker am
child of myself.