An Exercise in Presence
Homage to the last day of 2021
When I woke up this morning, I felt inspired to try an exercise in presence. I decided to just close my eyes and listen. Tune in to the world around me. After a few moments, I got a new inspiration to write while listening. This is what came through:
Through the open window in my bedroom, I hear the sounds of life.
A bird chirping. Chittering its morning song.
A dog barking far in the distance.
The swooshing sound of cars driving on the rain-soaked street.
Are they going to work on New Year’s Eve?
(Someone isn’t.
It sounds like they might be sweeping.)
*
There’s an unidentifiable knocking sound
Could it be clothes in a dryer?
The world grew quiet for a few moments
As if it knew I was listening…
*
A bird said, “who cares?” and added its voice to the mix
A few others responded in turn
and now the busy bird chittering is back
The puppy next door barked its approval
and a bigger dog replied
(I wish I could know what they’re saying
Guess I’d have to be a dog to understand)
*
There’s something calming about tuning in to the world around you
In this case, the world just outside my window
at 9:48 am
on New Year’s Eve
*
Nothing extraordinary
and yet, still magical
It speaks to me of resilience
Life carrying on
as if there never was a
pandemic
or protests
financial hardships
so much division
All the emotional highs, lows and swing-arounds I felt in the world over the past few years.
*
The mornings always come
The birds still sing
The dogs keep barking
The ladies sweep the floor
and cars drive by in the morning rain
*
The world carries on
Unbroken
Giving me hope
That all will be well
