“. . . Men are that they might have joy.” - my favorite scripture from the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:25
________________________________________________________________________
I breathe enjoyment from the senses that God bestowed on me. With the gift of sight I find joy taking in scenes of sunset splendor; catching sight of random rainbows, the prettiest of which I’ve noted arching over waves of Iowa grain; gazing into the adoring eyes of my beloved; and on happening to glance anything bright or beautiful to behold. With the gift of hearing, I delight in the cries of glee of my grandchildren tearing open Christmas presents. I discover incredible information listening to videos and learning from the students I teach, whose own differing cultures and traditions enlighten me more about the world. I glean pleasure from sounds of nature: the rumble of water gushing down mountain cliffs; the rippling of rivers and ocean tides; the call of pretty birds in spring; the meow of a tiny kitten; and my mind sways in rhythm to the music on my radio. With the gift of voice, I happily sing the lyrics to my favorite tunes. With my mouth I also relish my sweetheart’s kiss. I take pleasure too in savoring spicy foods that make my taste buds pop or in tasting the cold deliciousness of ice cream on my tongue. With the gift of smell, I capture whiffs of fragrant flowers and aromatic perfumes. I know the petrichor left by rain, and I scent my mother’s bread and lasagna baking on a Sunday afternoon. With the gifts of touch and feeling, I can fling myself into waves of sea in joyful abandon, feeling the sea fresh and crisp and the sun so warm and inviting on my skin. I can feel soft sand beneath my feet while walking hand in hand with my sweetheart’s fingers stroking mine and anticipate the wonderment of his tender caresses in the night. The greatest bestowal of God on us all is the sense of feeling that does not physically touch us. This final gift, which I revel in, lies in the many moments brought about when the heart is beautifully touched by happenstance from any of the other senses. These are the moments engraved forever in our personal and collective memories. In the end, we all have been so blessed to have a body that brings joy to the spirit. Thus, also I breathe gratitude.
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.