When ripples disturb
the surface
of the sleepy lagoon
that is my life,
when skunk cabbage and stinkweed
elbow their way in
and wave their smelly fronds
in my face,
when the waters grow turgid
and the channels clogged,
as if the pond floor has become
an uneasy agitated beast,
May I focus on
the lotus blossom
in the center,
let the ripples flow
off and away,
breathe in the peace and beauty
of the flower's waxy bloom.
May the swan of All That Is Not
carry itself to the farthest bank,
making way for gratitude
and serenity,
thankfulness
for All That Is.
* image from flickr.com
An elegant way of saying 'look at the doughnut, don't look at the hole'.
ReplyDeleteAlthough here your hole is the doughnut and your doughnutis...oh dear, getting myself knotted up.
I get annoyed when our pond gets all mucked up with duckweed and slimy green slingery things. But at least those don't pong.
turbid/turgid
murky/bloated
confusing.
Yes, gratitude, serenity, and thankfulness......all attitudes to strive for in one's life. I enjoyed this, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteA perspective that can only serve us well. You are able, Sherry, to take the common and make it simultaneously simpler and more grand. Good, good writing.
ReplyDeleteI love the skunk cabbage and stinkweed stanza. So real it threw you into sweeter smelling reflections.
ReplyDeleteA great metaphor for life.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this....the second stanza especially:-))
ReplyDeleteWith the turn in the poem, the skunk cabbage and stink weed fall away, and the poem feels like a prayer and the peace that comes.
ReplyDeleteIf only people wouldn't keep throwing stones in our ponds, Sherry. Lovely piece of writing. :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely sentiments, Sherry, and your poem creates the very peace and thankfulness it asks for!
ReplyDeletePS I love 'the swan of All That Is Not'! I'm going to remember that swan and use him in my life when needed. :)
ReplyDeleteMay I hitch a ride on the back of that swan?
ReplyDeleteToothless Fadista
Really nice poem! So important for us to find the beauty amidst all the chaos life often throws our way. The more grateful we are, the more blessed. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI knew I'd like this as soon as I saw the title. And your imagery with skunk cabbage and the lotus blossom are perfect for this sunny morning.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week Sherry :)
This is beautiful...a great reminder to remember the good things and not to get bogged down by the difficulties of life. Lovely words!
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous metaphor for life and I so enjoy the end and want to do the same in my own life. Well done!
ReplyDeleteYes, thankfulness for all that is, Sherry. I think we have to continue to practice this in life, even at times when it isn't easy. Beautifully expressed!
ReplyDeleteGratitude for what is and letting go of what isn't! A wonderful stance to embrace throughout life but especially as age creeps up! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's hard to spot the swan among the weeds... You show us how it's done.
ReplyDeleteYou have a way of presenting us with the wonderful and drawing us toward the peace you seem to find over and over again--this reads like a wonderful prayer--
ReplyDeleteI love that focusing on the lotus center, and being swept away by gratitude ~
ReplyDeleteYou personified plants in such a creative way...I especially enjoyed "elbow" as a verb...
ReplyDeleteAlso, it was a treat to see "farther" used. Most people would have put "further" in that context (when they shouldn't).
how you've managed to bring in skunk cabbage and stinkweed into a poem of such elegance is brilliant (they are wonderful words, by the way). Great stuff, thank you!
ReplyDeleteSherry this is exquisite... making way, making space for all that is, yes.
ReplyDeleteAgain, you 've written a great reminder to be mindful of what we have and not obsess on what is not. Very lovely.
ReplyDeletea poem of thanks, and lovely. Sherry, your words, "May the swan of All That Is Not," make this all the more beautiful. Makes me remember to focus on the forest, not the mud in between the trees. Peace, Amy
ReplyDeletehttp://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/02/07/dads-dynamic-deeds/
well said and very concise - enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteBeautiful way to say, look at the bright side and be thankful!! Lovely
ReplyDeletethose ripples sure want to make a mess of things
ReplyDeleteWell crafted poem with many symbols to hold to
"May the swan of All That Is Not
ReplyDeletecarry itself to the farthest bank,
making way for gratitude
and serenity,
thankfulness
for All That Is"
This is a brilliant way of putting it Sherry. A Glass Half Full message for all of us. Thanks.
Great way of putting across the glass half full message. Loved the imagery of the pond that you used. Really nice write Sherry.
ReplyDelete"May the swan of All That Is Not
ReplyDeletecarry itself to the farthest bank,
making way for gratitude
and serenity,
thankfulness
for All That Is"
Lovely way of saying make your glass be a hallf full one. Really nice imagery. A great write Sherry.
I love this!
ReplyDeleteSerenity in the flow of words..lovely metaphor for life..
ReplyDeleteSorry for dropping in so late here..
many thanks for your encouraging words on my composition..keep sharing your thoughts..