I listen to the dishwasher automatically splash hot water and detergent
over a load of unclean dishes.
Then I walk into the laundry room, throw a pile of soiled clothes and soap into the washing machine.
Turn some knobs again and walk away.
Makes me realize how easy my way of life is .
Not simple, but easy.
And so I write these thoughts:
A CHILDHOOD SUCH AS MINE
I was poor once
but richly happy…
sheltered by a roof slatted
over adobe bricks,
warmed by siblings sleeping in one room,
fed simple meals served from a sharing bowl.
No creature comforts to spoil my soul.
No frills
yet I lacked nothing.
And now I have it all
damned luxuries destructive of initiative.
I sit royally upon complacency
overcome only
by pity for my children
whose only deprivation
is a childhood such as mine.
over a load of unclean dishes.
Then I walk into the laundry room, throw a pile of soiled clothes and soap into the washing machine.
Turn some knobs again and walk away.
Makes me realize how easy my way of life is .
Not simple, but easy.
And so I write these thoughts:
A CHILDHOOD SUCH AS MINE
I was poor once
but richly happy…
sheltered by a roof slatted
over adobe bricks,
warmed by siblings sleeping in one room,
fed simple meals served from a sharing bowl.
No creature comforts to spoil my soul.
No frills
yet I lacked nothing.
And now I have it all
damned luxuries destructive of initiative.
I sit royally upon complacency
overcome only
by pity for my children
whose only deprivation
is a childhood such as mine.