It Feels Like Hope
Introductions
Let’s not say our names
or what we do for a living.
If we are married
and how many times.
Single, gay, or vegan.
Let’s not mention
how far we got in school.
Who we know,
what we’re good at
or no good at, at all.
Let’s not hint at
how much money we have
or how little.
Where we go to church
or that we don’t.
What our Sun Sign is
our Enneagram number
our personality type according to Jung
or whether we’ve ever been
Rolfed, arrested, psychoanalyzed,
or artificially suntanned.
Let’s refrain, too, from stating any ills.
What meds we’re on
including probiotics.
How many surgeries we’ve survived
or our children’s children’s problems.
And, please—
let’s not mention
who we voted for
in the last election.
Let’s do this instead:
Let’s start by telling
just one small thing
that costs us nothing
but our attention.
Something simple
that nourishes
the soul of our bones.
How it was this morning
stooping to pet the sleeping dog’s muzzle
before going off to work.
Or
yesterday,
walking in the woods
spotting that fungus on the stump
of a maple
so astonishingly orange
it glowed like a lamp.
Or just now,
the sound
of your
own breath
rising
or sinking
at the end
of this
sentence.
I found this poem on gratefulness.org
A Special Place
Gabriola Island, on the west coast of Canada is one of my special places, where it is easy to pay attention. I suspect you all know what I mean when I speak about this. I can imagine that everyone reading this post has a special place. Mine is composed of beauty, ritual and history, people, forest trails, sandstone beaches, sunrises and sunsets, wild roses, arbutus trees, orca’s, the farmer’s market, Wood Fire Pizza, landmarks known only to the locals, the magic mile, blackberries, the lighthouse, the old cottage, the galleries, spot prawns, sockeye salmon…and always the people.
The place that my family has grown to love best and it is where we return to celebrate and to grieve and to be together. It includes meaningful conversations, delicious meals, tears and laughter – the whole catastrophe of living. As two of my grandchildren recently said, “it feels like hope.” Swimming before dinner, walking to the point to see the sunset, drinking coffee in the early morning as the sun comes up, being mindful of the water shortage, knowing the power will go out, waiting for a ferry. It all matters. The effort to make that trip is always rewarded.
May you return now and then to your special places, while you can. Magic can happen there.
Notes
Note 1:) A note of gratitude for the beauty of the surroundings and the people with whom I was fortunate enough to be with in Vancouver and the islands.
Note 2:) Blackberries were picked by grandson Michael and friend Jim. The latter turned them into the best pies imaginable. All photos are on Gabriola.
Note 3:) Tomorrow is the first day of school in Ottawa. My personal hope is that it continues uninterrupted for the year.
Note 4:) As I contemplate my upcoming 75th birthday, I am in wonderment each morning that I get another day to enjoy this world even with all of its sorrows. Just like sunsets, each day is brand new and not to be taken for granted.
Note 5:) With heartfelt thanks to all of you for your interest in my scribble’s. You make my life richer and more joyful, with your good company. Warmest wishes, Trudy
Dear Trudy Thank you.
Thank you Jean for always reading my blog. Best wishes, Trudy
Loved the poem.
Must visit Gabriola for a long time.
Thanks Judy. I love that poem too and I hope you do get to visit Gabriola one day. Warmly,Trudy
Miss Gabriola, has always been my special place. Your words were perfect in this period of time and with the aging process.
Oh Sue. Thanks for your words. I do hope you get to visit Gabriola Island soon. Let me know when you do. Best wishes, trudy
Beautiful words 💕
Thanks dear Teresia! All the best to you. Warm regards,Trudy
Trudy, thank you for the beautiful writing about Gabriola. Though I was only there once, and that was 21 years ago, it will always be one of my very special places. You and Gottfried did so much to make that be so. Thank you from my heart.
Thank you Carol.I remember your visit well. And here we are all those years later. Take care and best wishes, Trudy
Trudy, thank you for posting this poem, love it, it made me smile, and even laugh out loud – and yes, I will think twice talking about these everyday things henceforth 🙂
Ah Gottfried. The poem is wonderful and not meant to cramp your style. But it does point to pausing once in awhile and turning our attention elsewhere. Glad that you enjoyed it.
You scribble: “You make my life richer and more joyful, with your good company.” Thank you for just the same reason;-)
Love
Sabine
Thanks Sabine. How lucky that it works that way. Big hugs across the ocean. Trudy
Hello Trudy, as always reading your blog makes me feel happy and grateful to know you. Take care Greetings to Gottfried
Helga
Thank you for your kind words, dear Helga. I hope you are doing well. Gentle hugs, Trudy
Love Glassmeyer’s work Trudy, this one new to me, so perfect. I love how you love Gabriola and share that joy with all of us. many thanks and hugs and happiest of birthdays xoxoxo
Hey, Janice. It is always a delight for me when I get to introduce a poem to you, my poetry maven. Thanks for your kind note. Trudy
I am sending you a hug. . .did you get it?
I just got it. A big thank you and one back.