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.
Sobering. (wanted to say "depressing") Jane Kenyon is an amazing poet. Was an amazing poet. All the more sobering, this, when you realize she died just shy of her 48th birthday.
This phrase rings for me..."the work I love"...and reminds me being able to love the work you do is a great gift.
Today I hope to walk with gratitude, honoring each "event," knowing it might have been otherwise.
I was doing pre-marital counseling with a young couple yesterday. This poem reminded me of the part of the Episcopal Church vows that pledge '"ntil we are parted by death"
The message I got from this piece was to enjoy the good times while you have them. I tend to always be thinking, well, when I get to where I want to go, I will do what I really want to do. This piece tells me to stop and enjoy the good things that I do have in life as they happen.
This poem of being in cherished relationships and places is otherwise for the people I work with daily: the deprived and oppressed poor; the old; the mentally ill homeless, and/or adicted people; and children with blank, soleful and haunting eyes.
I know this poem is about the creep of life's struggles, and ultimately diability and death. But in it, I see possibilities of celebration. To cherish the moments God gives, while in health, good relationships and circumstance - is not the final treasure.
It will be to find within the difficult times the ray of God's goodness in each day that comes - even the last one here on earth. Sometimes looking back on the good moments brings joy in the darkest and hardest hour.
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