An Ordinary Day That Surprises

I finished my work early yesterday and as it was a sunny afternoon, I walked to one of my neighborhood bookstores. The stroll was pleasant but long, so midway I stopped to rest on a stone bench near a curbing. A large, gray cat leapt up to join me and rubbed its fur against my arm, innocent of the knowledge that I am allergic to cat dander. I offered no protest and for a time we sat together while I listened to its quiet purring. 

 

 

(courtesy: animalcentury.com)

Eventually, I said goodbye to the cat and moved on.

Nearer my leafy destination, I came upon a kiosk in a yard. It contained copies of a poem and thinking it was the work of the homeowner, I took a sheaf to read.  I was wrong about the author. The piece was by E. E. Cummings. He can be devilishly clever with words. Even the mention of his name will raise a smile. But this poem was of a different sort, though still joyous and capable curling my lips into a bow. A perfect poem for a perfect day.

             I will wade out

                                    till my thighs are steeped in burning flowers

            I will take the sun in my mouth

            and leap into the ripe air

                                                    Alive

                                                            with closed eyes…                                             (from “I Will Wade Out” by E.E. Cummings)