I woke late, today.
Rushed to get my son ready, pack his lunch, my lunch.
Cursing myself and already overwhelmed by the day.
Full of foreboding—papers due, appointments, reminders, a run
A cheerful face
That must be presented everywhere.
How swiftly we forget.
A year ago I had no home.
No son to wake or prepare lunch for, no papers due
No run to go on, no emails to write.
Because I wasn’t embarking on a degree or preparing for a race.
I wasn’t waking my sleeping child (oh sweet blessing, to get to do this)
To prepare him for his day.
I was just half-heartedly trying
To stay in this life. This realm on earth.
This morning I frantically checked my emails,
Texts, calendar, schedule, and found
A friend had sent a note saying how much she loved my words
And other kindnesses that shook me awake.
My mom had called to say
she loved me. My son hugged me fiercely tight
And bounced to school
Emanating joy.
I am so sorry, world, for losing sight
Even for a moment, how wondrous, full, and rich you are
How the tasks laid before me are
Gifts—each one ripe to be opened, tasted, treasured
Dealt with lovingly.
I remember, now.
Look, now as I move into
This day with grace and strength.
Fortitude,
A heart considerate of others
And so much awe at what I am given.
Run, Write, Restore 