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.
~ Jane Kenyon, from “Otherwise“ in Collected Poems. The poem was written shortly before Kenyon died of leukemia at age 47.
Photo: Christopher Gould
Recognizing that I wake on two strong legs, walk the Sirs and see the sky…it is bounty upon which I start my day. Oh, and reading your morning post too, of course ☺
Awwwww. Thank you Mimi.
gratitude for such a lovely way to begin
Yes. And a good morning to you to Beth.
And instantly one remembers what’s truly important… Thanks, pal….
Yes. Bam. Right on the kisser.
Perfect! So much to be grateful for if only we took a minute to think about it. Thanks!!
And that is it Darlene. Right there. A short pause for gratitude.
“it might have been otherwise”…an inspired reminder. 💘
It might have!
oh, love this!
Lovely post David. My greatfulness starts when I open my eyes every morning. I lay there and say, hey, I’m still here. Yay. :o)
Love that ritual Patricia. I’ve GOT to do THAT!
Thank you for the thoughtful poem, Darlene. Now I’m older, I never leap out of bed: I sidle (like a crab) and then I “reassemble myself.” Then I pinch myself and say “Thank you” to Mother Nature for giving me another day and for my many blessings.
What a grand start to the working day! Cornflakes and peaches take me back 😃
Peaches with anything, is the Bomb!
We often waste time looking for the brass ring around the next blind turn. When all along we had it, but simply did not appreciate it. Hold on tight to the comfort of routine. All too soon it will be no more.
-Alan
Yes. Yes. Yes Alan!
Oh…… so lovely, Dave. Our (read, my) goal – to recognize how extraordinary the ordinary moments are and to live in that in gratitude. Beautiful.
Yes Roseanne. Exactly. I too find this extraordinary beautiful and moving…