So early it's still almost dark out.
I'm near the window with coffee,
and the usual early morning stuff
that passes for thought.
When I see the boy and his friend
walking up the road
to deliver newspaper.
They wear caps and sweaters,
and one boy has a bag
over his shoulder.
They are so happy
they aren't saying anything, these boys.
I think if they could, they would take
each other's arm......
Such beauty that for a minute
death and ambition, even love,
doesn't enter into this.
Happiness.
It comes on unexpectedly.
And goes beyond, really, any
early morning,
talk about it.

RAYMOND CARVER