Pausing for Poetry

 

I came across this poem by Jane Kenyon and liked it so well I decided it was time for a "Pausing for Poetry" post. I hope my dear, devoted readers will enjoy it. Working with people who have cancer helps me enjoy the little things and simple routines that happen daily. This poem reminds me to never take that for granted. 

 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.