I don’t understand poetry, but I like it. I don’t understand poetry, but some times I try my hand at it. Perhaps this post may be the start of sharing poems which move me. The first poem I share is a poem first shared with me.

I vividly remember one day, during a Biblical studies class in seminary, when Dr. Hewlitt Gloer stood up and read “Otherwise” by Jane Kenyon. Before the class was over, I ordered Otherwise: New and Selected Poems by Jane Kenyon. I’ve been a fan ever since.

Otherwise by Jane Kenyon

I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise. I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.


At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.