i heard someone speak 

of their life full of 

considerable deeds 

and adventurous things

as if they were but dust.

~~~~

and i wondered how 

they could not see 

that they have not 

only lived expansively 

but with enormous courage.

~~~~

and I thought that maybe 

in the pursuit of achievement

they had neglected to notice.

~~~~

to pick up the pebbles 

of the journey and

put them safely into 

pocket to handle 

and polish with

appreciation and care.

~~~~

to embrace life with intention 

and enjoy the things

they had seen and 

experienced along the way,

not in achievements,

but in meaning day to day

~~~~

this made me sad indeed

and i reflected on my own life

and found motivation there. 

~~~~

©Heather Pound 2022