dellisphelps

sudden mud, d. ellis phelps

Photo by Kelsey Mirehouse on Unsplash
sudden mud

please don’t leave my name
hanging around on a park bench
or a paving stone

but sit	
alone

sit by the makeshift pond
and wonder:

how deep it is at its center
—maybe a foot or two

how long it will stay  
another week      another day

—remnant of rain
    that lasts for weeks

the way it sometimes does
& how it floods

watch the pickleball players play
wish       the way I am today
that you could still play a running game

walk the circled path 

listen to granite crush underfoot
see how it glints
in the february sun

how still the swing
where no one swings
its occasional sway
in the teasing breeze

rejoice!
when you see bluebonnet leaves
 & know that blooms are coming soon
—the lantana has survived the freeze

notice the net     still
without a basketball
–its purpose unfulfilled
 
the lonely court      waiting
like the ankle-deep winter green 
grass that waits for spring

take whatever dog we own
with you      let her roll 
in the sudden mud

listen

to the rooster crow midday

know that he does so
when he does

because he can

& amble round and round again
as many rounds as you can go

and don’t worry

wherever I am

i’ll be just fine

i’ll be just fine


(c) d. ellis phelps

4 comments

  1. Lovely. Just yesterday, I updated a note I’m leaving with my will, for when the day comes for my daughters to read it (not soon, I hope) … the last paragraph talks about what i believe will happen to “the energy I was given to hold onto,” and how “wherever it ends up, it will be right where it belongs.” Great minds think alike.

    Reply

  2. Sudden Mud – A compelling invitation to imagine and experience the life that is always present in nature and in us and the mud, no matter what form it is in. A heart-expanding poem to the power of sitting in nature and curiosity and being present- where we can most easily notice and connect with all that is around us, including the presence of a loved one who is just fine, no matter what form they are in. Especially loved the rooster and the reassurance and comfort that wherever someone is, they are just fine, no matter what form they are in. Thank you! ❤

    Reply

    • Thank you, CC, for your close reading and for leaving this comment. There is definitely power in being present in nature, present to nature and to the Self present there.

      Reply

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