Chris Spark

Advice for Me and Maybe You Chris Spark

Billy Collins has written of Chris Spark's previous poetry, "You definitely have something going here: the quick take, unexpected turn-arounds, lots of playfulness... delightful in many instances."

Of these poems, Spark says, "They are wiser than me. I don't always remember or heed their wisdom, but when I do, my life goes better."

From the book:

Probably every
person around you
believes and will tell you
with great
assurance
that you must think
of others, compromise, do things
to make them happy.
It's tricky because this is in
the vicinity of truth
and yet off.
You can feel it.
What isn't taught
is that you already want
others to be happy.
That's part of you
being happy. In fact,
you love it.
Oh, except
when it feels
imposed.

Sleep in.
Find your footing.
Eat the last donut.

Don't gather
wood for
the fire. Be it.