i know why the jolly buddha laughs

sometimes i feel like i'm on the verge of losing myself
in a good way
sometimes i feel like i'm about to lose my mind
in not such a good way

sometimes i am overtaken with frustration and indignation
and i get more and more uptight
other times i feel so free like i'm ready to break free and fly,
just like in my dream

the other day it occured to me
that the lady on the street
who asked me for a quarter,
she started off just like aiyana did.
so how did she get that way?
how did we all get this way?

sometimes i am overwhelmed by the realization
that right now, at this moment, somewhere,
babies are being abused, children are crying with hunger and pain,
people are suffering
and i can't do anything about it
except wish it to be better

sometimes i have to admit and accept that
the people i love
will suffer and i won't be able to help them

sometimes i feel so lucky
to be able to share my kids' lives,
to relive childhood
and rediscover everything through them

sometimes i feel like i'm ready to go
but i want to stick around foe a while,
cuz' things can be so much fun
and i love to laugh

lately i feel like i really understand
and i know why the jolly buddha's laughing