A month ago, my doctor called to say that my x-ray turned out abnormal. Within days, I was scheduled to see a surgeon who recommended a biopsy. It took a week to get the results. Then two more biopsies were scheduled. By that time, I was beginning to panic. Waiting for the results for each biopsy was excruciatingly difficult. The more time that passed, the more worried I became. Trying to keep my mind focused on my students each day was hard, but at least I was busy. I spent my evenings on the Internet reading everything I could about the diagnosis I feared would become a reality.
I couldn't sleep so I spent my nights with my dear friend, Poetry. I read and reread poems that brought me comfort and gave me hope. I read Trisha's interviews with children's poets. I read the original poems Greg posted over at GottaBook. And I looked forward to reading every post each Poetry Friday. Your poems, interviews and book reviews were a welcome escape.
Thankfully, the biopsies came back okay. I still need some follow-up tests in a few months, but I'm feeling so much relief, I just want to enjoy the present moment. I am so grateful for each of you for putting your heart into sharing your passion for poetry with us every week. I've been reading your blogs for years and feel like many of you are old friends. Your words touch me and make me smile. There's magic in the Internet and the way it connects us to one another. Poetry Friday is a perfect example of how we can make a difference in the lives of others we've never even met.
Last night when I was trying to decide which poem to share today, Jane Kenyon's wonderful poem, "Otherwise" came to mind. I love how she reminds us to enjoy life's simple pleasures and enjoy what we have right now.
Otherwise
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.
You can read the rest of the poem here.
Oh, Linda--I've been rather absent lately and had no idea what you were going through. I'm so glad you found comfort in poetry.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful Kenyon poem. It's one of my favorites, along with Let Evening Come. I have a whole big Kenyon collection that I've been waiting for some solitude and peaceful time to dive into. But I might just have to start making it my five poems a day. Maybe it will bring me some of the peace I need.
Anyway, I'm SO happy that things are looking up, healthwise! Sending many happy, healthy wishes to you.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that your biopsies turned out well. Health, we tend to take for granted, until we lose it.
I love the cleanest of Kenyon's poetry. She is a powerful poet!
Laura Evans
all things poetry
Linda, I'm grateful for your good reports. The present moment is a beautiful place to be. There's always grace for that moment. Lovely poem, too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I saw one of my favorite Jane Kenyon poems listed at the roundup at Laura's and came over here, with no idea of what you'd been through. I'm so sorry about your struggles, though glad for your reprieve, and feel, as we share your dear friend Poetry in common, that I can offer my cheer for all that's good and hope for future tests.
ReplyDeleteLaura S., thank you for your good wishes. "Let Evening Come" is one of my favorite's too. I'm heading on over to your blog now so I can see what everyone is sharing for Poetry Friday.
ReplyDeleteLaura, thanks for stopping by. I agree Jane Kenyon's poetry is powerful!
Doraine, I'm trying to stay in the present moment, but for a worrier like me, it's hard sometimes. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem.
Jeannine, I feel so fortunate to have found Poetry. Thank you for the cheer and good wishes.