I posted this poem, inspired by Alex Dawson’s prompt, on my Substack, but it felt like something I wanted to share here, too:

Holiday To Do List

Go to the field, just after dawn

Stand and gaze at the light

See how the sun illuminates budding and blossoming trees

Feel your chin lift.

Let the birdsong fill you, like a deep breath.

Watch the foam on your coffee,

Listen to the cat purring,

Sit down.

Water the plants and smile at the daisies.

Have a conversation

About the weather, your plans, what you’ve been thinking about.

Smile, play, sing

Listen to good music

Read a good book

Let the music and the words lap around you like waves.

Notice things:

The first spring butterfly,

Wings tatty after its wintering

The gentle hum of a bee

A ladybird climbing a stem

A cloud of forget-me-nots,

Their singular shade of blue.

As evening draws in, patiently tend a fire

Blink as the smoke hits your eyes

Stay out in the cooling air

As long as you can.

Keep breathing in that birdsong.

Be Monet.

Make each day a painting:

Haze and flowers and fresh air

In which the hours blur

Moments blend

Impressions settle in your mind.

Begin to feel better.