A poem inspired by John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row, and borrows a line (Just this! Only this!) from Zen poet, Ryokan’s poem.
Up Cannery Row I sit
With my cigarettes lit
Writing my life story
For a buck, how sorry
Care not I feel
Chapters won’t seal
But the sun is not having it
Coz it wants a bestseller hit
Demanding I run with the truth
When nothing is more true
Than friendship and love
I don’t know about tomorrow
Sometimes I miss yesterday
I only know this moment
Just this! Only this!
Have faith
And a good bathe
Make today the most
And cook a mean roast
In this blazing summer heat
Birds can’t stop singing to their unborn
Silence too has a beat
In perfection, we see order
But in brokenness, we see beauty
In love, we see possibilities
If you find yourself
Standing on a wreckage of emotions
Dance like a gypsy
Ride in a jeepney
My guide is today
My mantra is love
Born to love in Cannery Row
We sing
We dance
And celebrate today.
Noelle L, 05.07.2020
Kindermind Center 