The Happiness Equation

or

The Itch

"Each conscious brain is an evolutionary tool whose primary function is simply
to solve or soothe successive Pains untold --
prior to the brain 'resting' in peace."
-- Neuroscience 101
not for the brainless

*

Who not has everything in having wealth --
Or wealth with yet eternal beauty too --
Or wealth and beauty plus still priceless health --
Great sex, and sundry listings in Who's Who;
Aside from humor, cleverness, and style --
Along with brilliance, wit, je ne sais quoi --
Charisma, even teeth, that winning smile --
And social graces sans a sole faux pas;
Accentuated with an intellect --
Right wisdom, pure humility most swell --
A character correct (which all respect) --
And true poetic talent nonpareil;
Who having such has not a life full rich --
Save each who has, just out of reach, an itch.

*

a dedication of Respect
for
the Pain of life's countless itches
continuous
(most beyond reach -- forever)

a revolving helios sonnet shakespearean satire menippean on
the common, romantic belief in
the scratch named "pleasure"
being independent of
the itch called "Pain"

may, 2023 -- yet hunger, thirst, desire, need, and wish
each sentient brain's fine kettle vast of fish