Poetry By John CannonHow Can I Ever
Poetry By John Cannon From All-Creatures Animal Rights and Inspirational Poetry Archive

Animal Rights, Spiritual and Inspirational poetry that touch the heart and soul, and provoke the mind.

How Can I Ever
By John Cannon

I slip out the door,
quietly ―

a plump squirrel and
a young cottontail
are close by;

they know me,
no second glance,
back to work.

Two nearby turkeys,
less trusting,
rush to the woods.

I start walking,
slowly ―

at first it seems
so drab and silent

but then
I open ears and eyes;

there’s a mellow hum
of late-summer crickets,

a wren piping
his cheerful pure song,

the dogwoods
with crimson highlights
just starting their encore,

and popping up today
in every roadside patch,
the brilliant
tickseed sunflowers,

asking nothing,
saying nothing,

simply

lighting up
their small
corner of the world.

How can I ever
stay indoors all day,

how can I ever
complain about weather,

how can I ever
lament the seasons’ changes,

how can I ever

fail

to feel blessed ―

beyond all measure ―

how can I ever

neglect

to say

thank you.


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