***
*
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.
.
~ Jane Kenyon
*
*
November 22nd, 2012 at 10:23 am
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may…
and be thankful
November 22nd, 2012 at 10:50 am
“Calm Before the Storm” – Mary Baine Campbell
Between the Brattle and the bookstore
A hundred yards of wet brick pavement
Fancy with yellow leaves: I wore
A red jacket, carried a red umbrella
Had a little fever, had a little cough
Was alive, passed a newspaper box
Saw no wars in the headlines
Had no bad news from the doctor
Not yet, was alive, was in love
Had waterproof boots on, it was only
A few yards to the bookstore
On an autumn night, the bookstore
Full of good books and yellow light, I was
Still alive, there was no evidence
Of terminal illness, there were no wars
In the headlines, I have always
Loved the fall the beautiful dead
Bodies of the leaves scattered
On the battlefield of earth and my own
Life persisting.
(Appearing in Ideas, Vol. 5, No. 2, 1998)
November 22nd, 2012 at 10:54 am
Lovely. Thanks.
November 22nd, 2012 at 11:30 am
You’re welcome! I love that poem “Otherwise” by Jane Kenyon. Both of those poems are good reminders to be grateful for what we have.
Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving!
John