The Origin of Happiness by Emily Lewis Penn

It starts a little after birth. You cry - loudly.
They check your vitals. They wash you up.
You suck milk once you’re clean and warm, swaddled,
your tummy is full, and you're held,
in someone's arms, you're happy.
You look up at your mom, your dad, or anyone,
really, with love, and a bottle or a breast
and you're content, happy even.
Even now - 70 years later, that's all it takes,
doing one thing, talking with you,
listening , responding, listening
with my whole body my whole being.

—Emily Lewis Penn