I hope today's poem is one that many of you can relate to. And if not, try a nap (or even just a lie-down) on the couch and see if it doesn't help what ails you. I was tired, headachey, and hot, and I found this poem while reclining on the couch and pronounced it perfect.
Any Morning
by William Stafford
Just lying on the couch and being happy.
Only humming a little, the quiet sound in the head.
Trouble is busy elsewhere at the moment, it has
so much to do in the world.
People who might judge are mostly asleep; they can't
monitor you all the time, and sometimes they forget.
When dawn flows over the hedge you can
get up and act busy.
Little corners like this, pieces of Heaven
left lying around can be picked up and saved.
People won't even see that you have them,
they are so light and easy to hide.
Later in the day you can act like the others.
You can shake your head. You can frown.
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Stafford, William. "Any Morning." How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope, edited by James Crews, Storey Publishing, 2021.
You can read more about poet here.
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I wish you mindfulness, peace, good health, some small pieces of Heaven, and poetry as the week winds down.
This is a perfect description of the moments I've loved in my as-of-yet-short retirement. Lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I hope your retirement brings you many opportunities for delightful couch moments.
DeletePerfect! I love this poem. These words especially... "Little corners like this, pieces of Heaven left lying around can be picked up and saved. People won't even see that you have them, they are so light and easy to hide."
ReplyDeleteAn excellent reminder to savor the little moments of the day. Thank you so much for sharing!
Perfection for the summer doldrums that I am in this week! Thank you, Bonny!
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect poem for these times and I will think of it again the next time I take a few minutes on the couch!
ReplyDeleteIn weather like this, sometimes all you can do is lie on the couch and read poetry! Here's hoping you collect a few pieces of Heaven.
DeleteI LOVE William Stafford. He just has the most perfect way of saying what I feel . . . Thanks for sharing this great poem, Bonny.
ReplyDeletePerfection! I love the same lines/words as Kat, particularly "so light and easy to hide." And I have been spending moments sprawled out with my eyes closed recently. It is heaven for sure!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of finding little pieces of Heaven to pick up and hide away. Such a great sentiment!
ReplyDeleteI love this poem. You've shared it before, and I printed it out and taped it into my journal. That's how much I loved it.
ReplyDeleteI love Stafford's poetry and this poem is no exception. I'm glad a bit of a rest made you feel better.
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