We learned last night that our friend and fellow writer, John Roden, passed away unexpectedly yesterday. I didn’t know him personally, but my sweetheart did. John was in my sweetheart Rick’s writing class. I did, however, know him through our mutual admiration for one another’s work here on Substack. He often made insightful and encouraging comments for me, and I enjoyed reading and commenting on his work, too. Here is a link to John’s Substack:
I woke up thinking of his family and how we just never know how our day will end. This poem from Jane Kenyon came into my heart. A reminder to remember gratitude and to try always to live from that place, even when exasperated and bone tired of the bullshit in the world, even when feeling deeply sad. Our days and nights can be full of beautiful, ordinary moments that are the real gorgeousness of just being alive. Trying to remember not to complain today, and to just be content and grateful for what is real and right now. We never know how our day will end. I want to be here for it all, as it is. xoxo
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.
I love your thought about having a specific word. I wonder if it exists in Japanese. I bet it does. I am going to find out. It is all of us at some point. Beautifully said, Stefania. Thank you so much. xo
I love this. Anderson Cooper has a wonderful podcast about grieving and the shared emotion that it is because it’s not about if, it’s about when. And even though we all grieve, we do it in our own way, there is no right or wrong, and it is a journey. The podcast is called All There Is.
Such a beautiful poem and so very true how we take for granted all the ordinary and mundane things in life that give it meaning and make it our own. Just yesterday I was talking to an exercise instructor who broke her wrist recently. She was SO happy that she was able to vacuum for a few minutes this past weekend…who would ever think someone would appreciate being able to vacuum! But I understand it because of what this poem reflects. Thank you for the reminder - may you enjoy your own wonderful ‘ordinary’ day today, and tomorrow and the days after that. ** but your ‘ordinary’ days are so full of creativity it’s difficult to think of them as ordinary!**
I wrote about this very thing for the Buffalo News are fews back. I will try to find and maybe update and share it here. I completely love what you wrote here. Thank you, Jen. xo
This poem is so true and beautiful. Pushing away unwanted sad and maddening things, only making room in my heart and mind for the exquisite beautiful things that surround me second by second, daily. Thank you for this poem sweet girl!
As always, you come into my day with the most poignant thoughts, as if you knew exactly what's going on here, so many miles away from where you are..
Beautiful poem, beautiful art, beautiful title to your peace.
There should be a specific word in English for this kind of tender sadness.
And a special type of soothing, comforting, "we're all part of the same thing" word-hug for the berieved. Because that's all of us, at some point.
I love your thought about having a specific word. I wonder if it exists in Japanese. I bet it does. I am going to find out. It is all of us at some point. Beautifully said, Stefania. Thank you so much. xo
I love this. Anderson Cooper has a wonderful podcast about grieving and the shared emotion that it is because it’s not about if, it’s about when. And even though we all grieve, we do it in our own way, there is no right or wrong, and it is a journey. The podcast is called All There Is.
I will look for it! I enjoy his spirit very much.
Indeed. Your photograph, your comments, Jane's poem.
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Such a beautiful poem and so very true how we take for granted all the ordinary and mundane things in life that give it meaning and make it our own. Just yesterday I was talking to an exercise instructor who broke her wrist recently. She was SO happy that she was able to vacuum for a few minutes this past weekend…who would ever think someone would appreciate being able to vacuum! But I understand it because of what this poem reflects. Thank you for the reminder - may you enjoy your own wonderful ‘ordinary’ day today, and tomorrow and the days after that. ** but your ‘ordinary’ days are so full of creativity it’s difficult to think of them as ordinary!**
I wrote about this very thing for the Buffalo News are fews back. I will try to find and maybe update and share it here. I completely love what you wrote here. Thank you, Jen. xo
So sorry about his passing. I love the poem. Grateful for each day (❤️)
Sending warm hugs. Thank you, Kathy. ❤️
always sorry to hear when a favorite artist flies away to the hither and yon of heaven's residence. hope rick manages the loss gracefully
It surely is. Thank you Charles.
So sorry for the loss of your friend. That's a powerful poem. The last line hit me in the guy.
Thank you, dear you. And it is, indeed. xoxo
This poem is so true and beautiful. Pushing away unwanted sad and maddening things, only making room in my heart and mind for the exquisite beautiful things that surround me second by second, daily. Thank you for this poem sweet girl!
❤️