Friday, January 9, 2009

Lessons

Snow on Single Oak

A case of Friday Night Distraction had already consumed the better part of my attention as I arrived home to prepare a simple dinner—the start of the weekend, just hours away. The plastic container of the thick, home-cooked, red sauce to be warmed over pasta made abrupt contact with the edge of the kitchen counter and tumbled, before I could reclaim it, to land on its side, with a crack, just in front of my shoe.
Standing, eyes closed to what was certain catastrophe, my first thought, “To an unremarkable day, add one disaster.”

Then, still within the same instant, regret--
for the power over me that this single, insignificant act displayed.
And the realization that I, too, have been caught in a swell of uncertainty. The wave of fear lapping at the shore, tugging the solid from beneath our feet.

For sometimes, all is not lost.
The sauce did not spill.
And, sometimes reminders come in the little things.

Single Oak in Field

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12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I especially like your third last line. It is so true. We cannot dwell on the past. We can only look toward the future.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

It is all too easy to dwell on one small event and forget the overall picture.We have so much to be thankful for.

Blessings,Ruth

Kelly said...

I love your beautiful, lyrical style. It's always so refreshing, no matter what you're describing!

Anna said...

I like your phrase 'Friday Night Distraction' Nina. I am no longer working but remember that feeling all too well. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Jayne said...

It's all in our perspective, isn't it? We can't control what will happen, but the one thing we can control is how we respond to it and let it affect us. Such a great life lesson. :c)

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I hope you are now rested and enjoying the rest of the weekend.

That picture of the Oak is interesting. It looks cold and lonely out there in the middle of the field.

I often wonder why farmers let a single tree remain in or along a field. Sometimes there seems to be no explaination.

Cheryl said...

And that is so true....thank you for reminding me......

NCmountainwoman said...

I think you speak to most of us right now. We keep our uncertainties submerged while they eat away at us. Then our anxiety and fears are manifest in something as minor as a dropped container.

Thanks for giving us perspective in such a poetic fashion.

Deejbrown said...

If anything like that happens again, don't forget the five second rule!

SandyCarlson said...

Indeed. Those irksome moments can claim more of us than they deserve. Great thought. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Nice save!

Robin said...

'Then, still within the same instant, regret--
for the power over me that this single, insignificant act displayed.
And the realization that I, too, have been caught in a swell of uncertainty. The wave of fear lapping at the shore, tugging the solid from beneath our feet.

For sometimes, all is not lost.
The sauce did not spill.
And, sometimes reminders come in the little things.'

You have no idea how this touched me on this morning when I needed it most. May I post this on my blog (and credit you, of course)?

.........

Thanks for stopping by my place. I'll return here often.