Surprise

for John                

            

Tired now at the short edge of a long life, I drag a creative past behind me.
Life barely sparks these days. But every now and then, surprise drops in and
refreshes the air, strengthens the blood, draws out smiles, and renews faith.

Take yesterday: A neighbor brought his snow shovel across the thoroughfare
that separates my corner lot from the world, and offered to help clear
my miles of sidewalks and driveway. I asked if it was his work, but it wasn’t.

I asked if he wanted pay, but he didn’t. We exchanged names, shook hands,
and then he dug his large heart into the task, moving double the snow
in half the time I could. He accepted my thanks.  I blinked, and he was gone.

His gift was more than enough to add miles to my journey. Unexpected,
his gift led me to pen and poetry, to willingness to write past silence.
Find surprise and pass it on: that will be the rhythm of the rest of my life.

Wonder is the life giver. Expecting the unexpected is why I go on.
As our world leaders endanger us and our protests seem unheard,
lowered guard and high regard among neighbors gives hope to the world.

Inspired by earthweal weekly challenge: THE SWAN, posted at earthweal open link weekend #103

My blog poems are rough drafts.

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© 2022 Susan L. Chast