Allison Janae Blog

Seeing

What if…

Instead of seeing how the picnic table I plan to use is covered in rainwater,

I see the way the trees and sky above reflect in the droplets.

What if…

Instead of seeing the sticky stains of past visitors on the table’s surface,

I see the intricate mechanics of how a fly lands on the cornflower-blue metal.

Hearing

What if…

Instead of hearing car doors close and beep in locking,

I hear the recklessly soothing rhythm of the lake waves as they embrace the shore-

Again, again, and again. Tireless, relentless in their passion for land.

What if…

Instead of hearing voices and trucks interrupt my serenity,

I hear the sweet lilt of a bird’s song to me.

Feeling

What if…

Instead of feeling the hunger for lunch growing in my belly,

I felt the energy, movement, stillness, and breath of my body-

the strength I am blessed to steward.

What if…

Instead of feeling tension over what I could be doing instead of sitting here writing,

I felt the sun soak into my skin, glinting over my lashes, kissing my cheek.

Thinking

What if…

Instead of making decisions about a person the moment I see them,

I wonder about what they did today, where they are going, who they want to be.

What if…

Instead of worrying over what isn’t and what was,

I ponder what is, and move my thoughts slowly and hopefully.

What if… the world is more beautiful than I ever hoped for?