What Is Joy?

By Shan Nelson

Joy is more than a smile

It is small moments that warms the heart

It is a moment’s peace in chaos

It is opposition to the regime

It is a dissonant experience to feel joy in a world on fire

Ironically, experiencing joy is an act of resistance in such a place

Oppressive eyes look down at the people, demanding them to submit

But we will not bow

For what is submission without complacency?

What does it mean to find joy in a place where it is hidden?

What does it mean to find joy in a place that leaves no room for it?

Joy is the cousin of hope

Hope reminds us that there is something better coming

They don’t want to see us joyful

To be joyous in the face of misery is a wonder

Yet here we are, creating hope for a better day to come

Finding joy in those moments where we can

For what is joy?

It is everything.

By Shan Nelson