On smiling

 

O Wondrous Creatures

by what strange miracle do you

so often not

smile?

                                Hafiz

_________________________________________________

In the darkness of early morning

I watch the healthy exuberance of cat the younger

who prowls

eagerly

looking for mischief

and I watch the halting steps

of cat the older

nearing death

weak

and wanting to be

himself

but just not able

I think of the day ahead

of challenges and opportunities

of the day past

of good moments

and bad

and I have a choice

I always have a choice

on what path will I place my feet

what seeds will I nurture

who, will I invite

into the living room of my soul?

Since I have a choice

I think I will

try

for being me there is no guarantee

to smile

over the miracle of life

the miracle of 19 years

with my old friend the cat

over the small gifts of beauty and compassion

that will come my way

truly

what an oddity it would be

if I did not