Otherwise

Otherwise
by Jane Kenyon

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.

Invitation: Compose your own ‘Otherwise’ poem. Example:

Otherwise
by me

When I woke,
I went to the kitchen and
made coffee the way
I like it. It might
have been otherwise.
I scratched the forehead
of the cat, made her breakfast,
watched her eat. It might
have been otherwise.
On the walk to the train
I paused to see, smell,
touch the roses. It might
have been otherwise.
All day I did the work
for which I am grateful
and which I find meaningful.
It might have been otherwise.
My partner arrived as the sun
was setting and we walked
five miles home together.
It might have been otherwise.
We arrived home safe and
sound, and I got inspired
to share this prompt
as a resource, and I planned
another day just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.