I felt rather uninspired today, I have to be honest. Feel like I have rediscovered a lot of poems and writers I had forgotten about but now where to go? So I have left this for a while and then spent some time browsing around poetry web sites, which was actually quite satisfying and inspired me for some poems that I want to include before this series ends. I wanted to do a week of women’s poetry, though, so when I stumbled upon Wendy Cope that seemed appropriate. I like her work with its light hearted humour, which is what I need today. This poem captures that serendipity and lightness. Taking pleasure in small things is something I am frequently reminded of at the moment, when a lot of the “big” exciting things are out and it is hard to plan. Every day moments can provide solace.
The Orange
At lunchtime I bought a huge orange
The size of it made us all laugh.
I peeled it with Robert and Dave –
They got quarters and I had a half.
And that orange it made me so happy,
As ordinary things often do
Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park.
This is peace and contentment. It’s new.
The rest of the day was quite easy.
I did all the jobs on my list
And enjoyed them and had some time over.
I love you. I am glad I exist.
1992, Serious Concerns.