WHEN I'M HAPPY

There were no tears 
when you were taken away.
No tears while you were stuck in chains.
No crying at your return.

I only cry when I'm happy now.

You never said what happened.
You didn't notice the pain.
You did what you had to do.
I guess you'll never explain.

I only cry when I'm happy now.

 That Tuesday morning
when I saw you were gone,
I stood at the window,
your bike still on the lawn.

I only cry when I'm happy now.

Now you're living at Belmont.
You wear rather fine clothes.
You sneer at the poor,
cuz they've nothing you want.

I only cry when I'm happy now.

I have my own space here.
I never call out.
Amusing self daily,
I live in the now. 

I only cry when I'm happy now.
I laugh only too well.
My friends are the angels,
Who saved me from hell.

I only cry when I'm happy now.

 ©Ellen Pepper 2026