otherwise.

Peach 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

One day, I know, it will be otherwise.

With thanks to Carol Reshenk Minor for reminding me of these lines, this truth.

[Image from here]

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

3 comments to " otherwise. "
  • Patti, thanks for whispering this in my ear. This will be my mantra this weekend, when I start to feel critical of those who are only trying to help. Just know that you nudged at least one person to do the right thing!!!

  • Cathi Eifert

    I always kick myself when I finally come to your website, that I don’t come more often :) – ah life gets in the way, but I always, always take something away when I do. Thank you! Someday I hope to meet you in person -maybe the Flying Pig in 2011? Also, last night as I lay in bed reading this wonderful post – one of the suggested readings was about the little tiles you take (took?) with you on your book tour for LIAV – can you point them to me – I can’t find them this morning.

  • This is really beautiful, Patti. Have a wonderful weekend :)

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