James,
A simple verse below by Jane Kenyon. I found it recently. It reminds me of my impermanence, and reminds me to find the dharma door (the teaching, the lesson) in what is coming up now...including the imperative to try to acknowledge and accept it with kindness. And to smile with gratitude for what I have. Chick
Otherwise
by Jane Kenyon
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.
