The Joys of a Simple Life

No matter what
when I rise up on a new day
feel the jolt of fresh-squeezed orange juice
while the cabin of the sailboat fills with
the smell of freshly ground and brewed coffee
which I carry up onto the deck and
feel the wind that blows the trees brush my face as well
I look up at the blue of the sky
and the always-changing configuration of the clouds
While the birds soar in and out of my vision
it is enough for the growing smile on my face
to precede a feeling of peace.

It is then time to sit down for the morning's writing
to be followed by two hours at the gym and
then to observe what new understanding the grand kids have achieved
and what new questions and abilities they are testing.
A glass of wine and dinner with friends
“Adagio for Strings” and a quiet dialogue with Spinoza
Finally sleep comes with the rocking of the boat.

I lived the day.
Tomorrow may come.
I harmed no one.

As Dickens taught, if one's income,
no matter how small exceeds expenses
and while health lasts, I am
at peace and there is no need for immortal promises
or requests.

Arnold Kraft Sherman
Published in Caribbean Compass online
July, 2012, p. 30