What is life?

I am feeling down again. Don't know why. Nothing seems to perk me up these days, except reading. Is my mood the main reason why I bury myself in books these days? Am I doing this coz am afraid of falling deep into 'feeling down'?

I constantly ask myself this question these days "What is the meaning of life?" Of course, in Buddhism, meaning of life is about being happy. But how? It seems to me that there's more sadness than happiness in this world. Who is truly happy? The holy Dalai Lama? Children? I remember when I was in Sec 3, some of my girlfriends commented that they were troubled. At that tender age of 15, why would anyone be troubled? I was thinking to myself then, what was troubling them? And what are 'troubles'? I was totally vexed.

Maybe I am daydreaming too much. Maybe life is just about doing the routine everyday. Being responsible for studies if you are a student, being responsible for your work if you are working, being a responsible parent if you are one, etc, etc. Life is about indulging in your daily activities; work and earn as much money as possible to ensure a good and comfortable life for ya loved ones. But is that really the kind of life that I want to have? Why can't I do the things that I wanna do? Am I not being practical?

Troubles, troubles go away
You are not making my day
Am I dreaming
With my whims and fancies
To escape
The harsh reality
Of this society?

O Little Fairy! O Little Fairy!
How I dream to be like you, never in a flurry!
Running around in the woods
And never get the boot
What a Life! What a Life!
A Life with no lies!
How I envy you, Little Fairy
Envy your sweet and happy Life!