Otherwise
Jane Kenyon
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.
What does it mean to be truly awake? To recognize that our lives are filled with gifts, from the moment we arise to the moment we lay our heads back down. We are lucky, we are blessed, and not from any merit of our own. "Days pass and the years vanish, and we walk sightless among miracles." (Chaim Stern). Open our eyes. Awake my soul. Let me make each miracle count. For tomorrow, it may be otherwise.
No comments:
Post a Comment