The Tree of Simplicity
I wash my hands, laden with gentle soap,
under the stream of warm water in the bathroom sink,
grateful for the cleaning soap and the soothing warmth of the water.
I sweep the porch, getting dirt and cobwebs off it,
greeting the pink geraniums growing beside it,
grateful for my home, the broom, the beauty of the flowers,
my body for doing the cleaning work.
I look out the open bedroom window, towards the backyard,
thankful for the rosemary bush with its enticing smell that’s making me hungry,
for the pear tree calling me out, asking me to eat its gifts,
for the birds chirping merrily on an autumn afternoon,
for my sense of vision, allowing me to witness and enjoy all these sights.
What is life, but a series of simple moments strung together
with the fruits of gratitude dangling off it?
