Sun Up to Sun Down

 Modeled from David Whyte’s poem “Kayak VI.”

When the mind lets go at last

I just do what needs to be done

After years of keeping my own schedule

I am now on another

And in each wave

The days go quickly

I read and write and sometimes nap

But it never feels like enough

In my arms

I bear the meals and shopping

The cleaning and maintenance

The household concerns

In my voice

I keep the tenderness within measure

Although it isn’t always easy

Demands are increasing

Even here

Going through our days together

Still has its magic, sun up to sun down

Others look to find us

What do they see?

An old married couple

Making the best

Of the life that’s left