I think some amount of struggle is necessary. I think that without hardship (a little or a lot) there is no learning. And we have to learn Mark!!! haha, what else are we here for? I really like "Now all our days are the same day". Great read, my friend.

I think we do forget why we came. And then we squirm our whole lives trying to escape the very opportunity that being human provides - living and growing through pain and struggle. It's got to be it. I've asked myself a million times because it seems so ridiculous that I would desire this type of experience. I mean, if "heaven" or "the other side" is full of bliss, why ever would we leave that place if not to experience the heavy negativity of this material realm so that it might accelerate our spiritual growth? Anyway, that's just my take on it at my age. Excellent poem.

This philosophical tome poses an age old question. You've interestinly made it a cultural matter. Happiness is, I believe, a byproduct of a life filled with useful and other oriented service.