Ina Vandebroek – The poetry of living

Too many people do not see

enough beauty in their struggle,

all they can talk about

is where they not are,

what they do not have,

what is missing from their life.

I say, what is missing

from your life is you.

You do not see the beauty

of this morning,

and how that is all the beauty

you should treasure.

Just look at that bird over there,

sitting content in a tree.

That bird should be your standard.

Yes, but I am poor, you say.

What kind of poverty, my friend?

Did you have to go to the river

to fetch water this morning?

Did you have to barter

cooking oil, salt or soap?

Did you watch your crops die

because of a drought?

Tell me again where you are

that you should not be.

Tell me why you should be happy first

and able to love second.

Tell me why you are not looking

at that bird.

Ina Vandebroek (Portland, 21 March 2015)