i saw a whole pod of dolphins today

twenty odd strong, they leapt across waves

and two pigtailed girls playing a clapping game

with smiles and grins

more complicated and lengthy than

the ones i used to know

 

and people passed with ready smiles

as gentle waves rolled on and on

and all that is light and right with

the world felt near

 

and while i know that elsewhere things may

be dark—and frequently are

today i drank only of the brightest and best

filling heart and mind and soul

with beauty

 

when times like these come, grab them

and on days when they don’t…

remember and hold close

the days you drank the light

 

Heather Pound 2024