In Anne Lamott’s book Stitches
she quotes Ram Dass.
Ordered my pizza, small
with everything,
sat down with my book,
annoyed by the loud young men,
voices too big for the room,
shouting about sports; my table
beneath the speaker playing
a song for people decades
younger; my view the parking lot;
as my pizza arrived, I read,
we’re all just walking
each other home,
and heard the joy
in the voices and laughter,
felt the beauty of the music
soaring golden above me,
saw late afternoon sun
shining on trees beyond
the parking lot, and remembered
yet again my life is small,
but with everything.
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“…my life is small, but with everything” certainly applies to me, too, i can identify with this wholeheartedly, Willow, such a modest and very real point of view finely
depicted. You have a delicate yet firm touch and a true grasp of what matters.
Thank you so much, John; in my case, it’s hard-won knowledge about life that I’m glad to have. As always, my friend, I much appreciate your thoughtful and supportive comments.
How very very beautiful Willow! I am so touched by this poem–it speaks of the contentment you can find in this moment if you can let go of the mind that shouts its expectations and attempts to enforce its dogma on the world. I love “small with everything”–such a perfect way to convey your acknowledgement that you can see what you have, ALL that you have, and that you are grateful for it.
Thanks, Lorien. Yes, contentment and gratitude and even joy where we least expect it–blessings popping up out of nowhere! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment; it means a lot to me.
Lovely delicate touch
Sig, thank you, your comment is much appreciated.
“…saw late afternoon sun
shining on trees beyond
the parking lot…”
always good to look further…to continue to look for the sunshine beyond…
Beautiful poem!
All the craziness of life…the noise…the confusion…I felt I was right there in that eating place with you…and you managed to move beyond it…
YOU have such strength!
Your poetry is wonderful!
Thank you so much for your kind words–they’re much appreciated.