The Ultimate Joy

I have felt the thrill of passion in the poet's mystic book     And I've lingered in delight to catch the rhythm of the brook;     I've felt the ecstasy that comes when prima donnas reach     For upper C and hold it in a long, melodious screech.     And yet the charm of all these blissful memories fades away     As I think upon the fortune that befell the other day,     As I bring to recollection, with a joyous, wistful sigh,     That I woke and felt the need of extra covers in July.     Oh, eerie hour of drowsiness - 'twas like a fairy spell,     That respite from the terrors we have known, alas, so well,     The malevolent mosquito, with a limp and idle bill,     Hung supinely from the ceiling, all exhausted by his chill.     And the early morning sunbeam lost his customary leer     And brought a gracious greeting and a prophecy of cheer;     A generous affability reached up from earth to sky,     When I woke and felt the need of extra covers in July.     In every life there comes a time of happiness supreme,     When joy becomes reality and not a glittering dream.     'Tis less appreciated, but it's worth a great deal more     Than tides which taken at their flood lead on to fortune's shore.     How vain is Art's illusion, and how potent Nature's sway     When once in kindly mood she deigns to waft our woes away!     And the memory will cheer me, though all other pleasures fly,     Of how I woke and needed extra covers in July.                                      Unknown.