Otherwise

One of my favorite blogs that I read daily, A Cup Of Jo, held a fall challenge a few months back to memorize a poem.  The poem she chose to memorize (and that I'm still working on perfectly memorizing) has really stayed with me.

I've found in life that there are few guideposts to turn to for philosophical support and encouragement.  In this busy city I feel like I need to work harder to find activities and thoughts that ground me and remind me what is really important.  I think that quality art and poetry can serve as encouraging life guideposts.  They help to bring me out of my day-to-day (sometimes mundane feeling) routine and force me to think about things in a different and important way.  This poem, Otherwise, helps remind me that life is short and to be grateful for the wonderful life that I have.

Otherwise
by Jane Kenyon

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.