Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Otherwise...Another Poem...

This photo may not have much to do
with this poem,
except that is exemplifies
the exuberant colors of living,
and the starker images of loss.
I hold these words dear
because they help to remind me
that everyday I have something,
many things,
to be grateful for.

Otherwise
I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise. I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.

At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.

The incredible Jane Kenyon again.
It is for me, everyone who visits,
and  a dear new friend who knows
about Otherwise.
 best to all, e. 

2 comments:

J & B said...

That made me stop and think,something I need to do more often.
thank you
John

Ginnie said...

Beautiful, Ellen, and so very true. No matter what life brings us, there are always many things that still give us joy.