If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.

~ Excerpt from “Lost,” by David Wagoner

And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak
To mind your life.

~ Excerpt from “Beannacht,” by John O’Donoghue

Slept through the alarm I set to get to my pool reservation. Went a bit late, not a problem, a good swim. And then took Charlie into the wetlands. The river is so high, from my window in the house it looks more like a lake. And the paths to the tent are flooded again. I walked through anyway, my bare feet in plastic boots filled with icy water. Got to the entrance of the tent where the water approaches, but doesn’t enter. It’s so close! And will the river rise higher in the next day? Who knows. I found a tiny nest in the swollen brook. And I had a successful day revising poems, working on my manuscript. The meeting this past week with my poetry coach was very helpful, motivating. A catalyzing meeting. And I put the time I had today to very good use and felt good. In the dark, late afternoon, before evening, before leaving for dinner with friends, I walked the driveway in the fresh cold air with Charlie. I was thinking about mindfulness, and staying in the day. How taking photos of beautiful, natural things in my habitat, like the nest, keeps me in the moment, keeps me focused on the day. Keeps my thoughts and concerns and worries and flights of imagined trouble out of tomorrow. To be here now, be here now.