The Gift
Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash
It was bittersweet to say goodbye
After time with my family that I
Deeply needed, given I’m on my own
The sunset before I was supposed to fly home
I found myself sitting in this peaceful spot
Thinking about what the year was and what it was not
It was moments of joy, moments of learning,
Happy connections and heartfelt sharing
It was moments in the dark, wondering whether or why
Do I know what I'm doing? Do I even try?
It was not all rainbows or filled only with strife
Not a shining goal post nor the sum of my life
It was not easy, nor smooth
Nor without moments I'd choose
Again if I could
And memories that would
Carry me through the uncertain days
Topsy turvy, tricky or just a haze
The year's not been cruel, it has not been kind
It has been what it's been--rather both combined
There have been pockets of pain and plenty of pressure
And incredible moments too precious to measure.
As I sat on that bench at sunset, I thought,
"That is what the year was, and what it was not."
The sun dipped down; it was time to depart
But Oh, this spot, to leave takes heart!
Two paths appeared, one being shorter
I chose this one first but then I did alter
My course, for something I saw drew me down
The longer path, which curved around
Wiggling back and forth in a jaunty way
It beckoned me, and seemed to say
"If you take me, you'll find what it's about
To live a life fully and without
Regret from waiting for moments to pass
Whether you've many more days or it's your last."
Far off, something glimmered, but it was too blurry
It was enticing me, but instead of hurry
I strolled the path, while it came into view
Itsmessage clearer with each step I drew
Yes, I chose this path, over the time-saving route
And by skipping the shortcut, I gained something to boot.
The sparkling word seemed to shout,
"When you notice and take me, I'm with you throughout!"
The path, it struck me, was like the year
Wending and winding its way from here
It was not a straight line, which would have been faster
With no surprises and no disaster
The path, like the year, had no guarantee
Of what or when things would happen to me
But the curves made it fun to follow each day
And I could see how, along the way
The message that gleamed like the sun
Was what could be with me, until I was done
For Joy does not need straight lines to be with us
It is in curves especially, if only we notice
For the rest of my years, I'll aim to remember
What Joy reminded me that eve in December
To look for it wherever I am
Whether everyday moments or in-a-jam
Because it's there, it's there, ready to lift
Us up when we need it. For that's its gift.