A New Leaf

Whoa! I know, it's not that time of year when we "turn over a new leaf" by resolving to do this, do that, to be a better person, be more constructive, persistent, kind, understanding ... whatever.

But I think each day ... whether you crawl slowly out of bed, hoping the floor will rise up gently to touch your feet ... or leap out ready to face whatever the day may hold for you ... that each day offers this opportunity for that "new leaf" ... a new beginning of sorts.

Me? I've encountered some detours along the way. But here I am, still plodding along, still being drawn by the thought of what may lie ahead, around the next bend in the road.

And I guess I do think about all that offering a "new leaf" ... and the opportunity which comes with that.

Meanwhile, the poem:

A NEW LEAF

How soothing the sound
of it, like the feel
of clean sheets, crisp
and cool to the touch,
hinting airy freshness
as we snuggle in.
How comforting it is
to lie here thinking
of this whole new year
fresh and inviting,
opening the prospect
that things might be
better, perhaps could
be, if we could just
approach each new day
with the same sense
of purpose we feel
at this moment.
© 1999
(originally published in Capper's)

Today's word: freshness