My favorite place to stand

[Eva Libre]

Have I lived enough?
Have I loved enough?
Have I considered Right Action enough, have I come to any conclusion?
Have I experienced happiness with sufficient gratitude?
Have I endured loneliness with grace?

I say this, or perhaps I'm just thinking it.
Actually I probably think too much.

Then I step out into the garden,
where the gardener, who is said to be a simple man,
is tending his children, the roses.

~ Mary Oliver

—

This is one of my favorite MO poems and I think of it every year when the roses begin to bud and bloom. It’s even more poignant this year under social distancing. “Have I endured loneliness with grace?” I hope so.

Blessings and peace to all of you today from rose and orange blossom scented places.