Here’s the draft of a poem I’m working on today

One Way of Looking

I didn’t think I had anything to do today

but I checked my calendar just in case

this aging memory of mine sometimes mistaken

This week I forgot a doctor’s appointment

and I felt tremendous guilt for doing so

wondered how they’d feel about their wasted time

I try to keep my calendar updated, precise

and I’ve learned how to set alarms, but sometimes

I forget to add an appointment, so no alarm is sent

I love the days when I can do whatever I please

not answering to any obligation, to anyone anymore

tapping away at the keyboard all day, if I choose

As I write, I tend to look out over my garden

notice how one plant has grown well, another maybe dying

perhaps how one has come into flower overnight

This morning I looked out and saw a mynah bird

perched on the limb of my neighbor’s monkeypod

and I sensed he was waiting for me to teach him how to speak

I watched him stealing closer, edging sideways toward me

head cocked to one side, eyeing me with one black eye

begrudging me, I knew, my ability to speak while he stood mute

Then suddenly I was drowsy, felt a sleep coming on

and a chill caused me to shiver before him, unblinking

sensing momentarily a brush of seaweed rolling at my feet