Jane Kenyon

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.