otherwise…

illustrator: Julie Rohan Zoch

 

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
from Otherwise, 1996

 

I got out of surgery

with a healing incision.

There was no C-diff

or RSV.

I simply glowed!

Never caught pneumonia.

immune system thrived!

never had respiratory arrest.

We danced together

in the ballroom.

twirled around breathing easily

waving hips to the music

sliding our feet smoothly

in sync with each other

in our golden years.

 

by jeanne

(all rights)