Joy


The poem depicts joy as a virus effortlessly spreading and transcending language barriers. Despite the pervasive spread of joy, the narrator remains detached and immune, unable to feel positive emotions, a common symptom in patients with depressive disorder, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder. The poem explores themes of connection, isolation, and the universal yet elusive nature of joy, illustrating how people with psychological distress can feel isolated and how social interactions can improve mood.