Poem: A Moment of Selfishness

A Moment of Selfishness

Birds sing outside your window,
a riot of song and chatter
and you pause to listen,
smiling at their joy in the morning air.

It will make you late, this waiting,
this frivolous moment as you stand,
eyes closed
and give yourself to their joy.

Life can wait.
Responsibility can wait
for it never recedes,
always lurks

while this moment of joy
will pass in a moment
as winds carry the birds to new trees far away
and if you do not give yourself to is,
God's gift will be squandered.

So stop, dear heart.
Listen,
and carry this blessing with you.

Let it color your day.
Let your heart dance to it's music
and know

this moment of selfishness
is a gift,
not to be taken,
but accepted.

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The picture was taken at Roaring Run, in Botetourt Country, Va. You can click on it for a larger version.