Today I went for a hike for the first time in just over two weeks: a chest cough and a low back issue kept me housebound. And oh, how difficult it was not to be out enjoying that wonderful snowfall we had just two weeks ago. Today’s hike was just so sweet – brilliant sunshine, clear and deep blue skies and an amazing warmth from our February sun.
As I hiked I found myself recalling my favourite author Parker Palmer’s post on Facebook earlier this week where he posted a poem by Jane Kenyon titled Otherwise. Having been unwell for two weeks and missing being outdoors I was now acutely aware of my surroundings and my overwhelming gratitude for being able to experience the outdoors that I love so much. It felt sort of like this:
“I went for a hike in the Gats
Into Carman Lake
along the old Cafferty Road.
It might have been otherwise…..
But one day, I know it will be otherwise. ”
My experience today was just so sweet because of having been earlier housebound and being unwell. There may be other situations just like this when I’ll feel housebound. “But one day I know it will be otherwise”.
Here is a photo of Carmen Lake in the brilliant February sun, and below is the poem Otherwise.
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.
At noon I lay down
with my mate.
It might have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together at a table with silver candlesticks.
It might have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings on the walls,
and planned another day just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.
–Jane Kenyon
