Happiness

Several years and half a lifetime ago -
What I would've called my happiness, were I given the chance.
Now but a shadow;
Words written lovingly in the cover of a book I've never finished.
Time polishing away the patina of truth,
Leaving only the luster of idealistic memories.
Memories sometimes so vivid...
I can almost smell the air of those wonderful days.
But truth tells the story these thoughts cannot compose.