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The Luxury of Ordinary

Today was a good day Today he walked on legs unbent And erect spine of a man intent On stilling the cacaphony of monotony And smoothing the callouses of convalescence For today, we both forgot The wasting rate this cancer's wrought Today, he teased and squeezed and poked Fun at his trademark old school jokes Laughter's remembered warmth evoked Today he drove his rattling truck His feet sure on the pedal's pump And carried boxes of tradebooks and tools With hands that know weighted control Today, without a splint or cane He tamed steps of receding pain Today, through a briefly calm sea He is the man he used to be So today, I can foresee The luxury When days like these Are ordinary. 1/23/21

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Eric Cohen

Date: 2/2/2021 1:30:00 PM

Michelle, this is deeply moving and heartfelt. What I think poetry should be. All the best to you and yours.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/2/2021 1:29:00 PM

I'm sorry your husband has cancer. I sure hope mine will stay safe. I am the one that had it, so it's a worry to me if it comes back. My hubbie just had a colonoscopy and the doc was surprised. Five years ago he showed five polpys and this time NONE. He eats lots of junk while I eat healthy, so it's very baffling to me. Anyway, your poem is marvelous for it shows that good days are possible and you learn to appreciate your life for those days!!

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 2/2/2021 10:13:00 AM

I think you are both very brave and very hopeful. I feel for you Michelle, I love that you can talk about it and tug at our heartstrings. It might be a long journey yet, but together you are mighty - I wish to fave this write. Hugs and blessings Jennifer.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 1/29/2021 11:12:00 AM

We take so much for granted when we're young and healthy and as time marches on it sometimes robs us of the ability to do everday things. Im glad things are brighter for you both Michelle. Tom

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 1/25/2021 4:43:00 PM

Hello Michelle … you never know what you’ve got until you haven’t got it. I feel for you both on the long road to recovery. This is a heartfelt verse yet there’s a win for you both - thank you Michelle - Lindsay

Harry Horsman

Date: 1/25/2021 7:21:00 AM

Heartfelt Poetry at its best Michelle, The bravery and tenacity on this day of luxury. Just love the Title, A poem, which will touch all whom read it. A Fav for me.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 1/24/2021 7:25:00 PM

I am so, so, so happy for the both of you. Words cannot convey the joy. Here's to a continuation of the progress and a long, healthy, happy life together. Faith and Strength, Gershon

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/24/2021 7:44:00 PM

he still has a long road but there are moments of hope, thank you for your well wishes and kind support :)

Susan Lawrence

Date: 1/23/2021 4:48:00 PM

...so beautiful it brought tears to my ears. Heartfelt, deep, poignant, intimate , revelatory and such truth. The Luxury of Ordinary ...just right thank you . All best wishes, Susan A favorite for me

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/24/2021 1:09:00 PM

That has brightened my day! Thanks for your visit and comment, much appreciated~

Susan Woodrow

Date: 1/23/2021 3:48:00 PM

Your title and ending sum up this touching write beautifully...my best friend has been fighting pancreatic cancer for 3 years now (they said when she had surgery, she had one year!) ... Best wishes :)

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/24/2021 1:08:00 PM

That is wonderful news about your friend, I hope she has continued good health, thank you for your kind comment, Susan.

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 1/23/2021 1:18:00 PM

Such a beautiful heart moving piece Michelle, so pleased at your great news for your hubby and trust he'll continue to make great strides. As one myself having prostate cancer and winning my battle over 3 years so far may you both know true peace and more better days. Blessings, Gordon

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/24/2021 1:06:00 PM

I am glad that you have been winning your cancer battle for over three years, that is great news! Thank you for the wam comment, Gordon~

Jan Allison

Date: 1/23/2021 11:29:00 AM

oh wow Michelle this is the most incredible news may he continue to make huge strides in his recovery I am overjoyed to read this heartfelt piece, into my faves for so many reasons!!!:-) hugs Jan xx

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/24/2021 1:05:00 PM

There are still 'not so good' days to weather, but having a day when he was almost back to 'normal' was just such a gift - I hope you and yours are also doing well~

Alexis Y.

Date: 1/23/2021 10:41:00 AM

WoW! Michelle, What a moving and heartfelt piece. To be surrounded by love, one can feel like their former self in the midst dire circumstances, causing it to be an ordinary day. You have penned an excellent piece of poetry with a great message. This is going straight into my favs. Have a wonderful day:-) Alexis

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/24/2021 1:03:00 PM

I am so touched by your warm comments, thank you so kindly, Alexis~

Rico Leffanta

Date: 1/23/2021 10:33:00 AM

Lao Tse-Tsung said, "The longest journey begins with the very first step" and that first step is the most difficult, so life can only get better! Aloha! Rico

Rico Leffanta
Date: 1/24/2021 10:46:00 AM

You are one lucky girl as your house escaped the wildfires and your husband escaped The Grim Reaper! That should keep your muse employed! Aloha! Rico

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/23/2021 10:38:00 AM

It is indeed a long process, but we are hopeful things will improve, thanks for commenting!

Vijay Pandit

Date: 1/23/2021 10:06:00 AM

Such luxury in company of the loved one --ordinary becomes extraordinary when we see hope--when he jokes, walks without a cane. Enjoy the happy outcomes in company of the beloved, Michelle. Brilliant write.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/23/2021 10:12:00 AM

He has his good days and bad days, the other day was a very good day, sadly that is still rare but hoping for more, thank you for your lovely comment!

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 1/23/2021 10:00:00 AM

Goose bumps!!! Heart rendering write dear poetess. Warm hugs (& a fave) ~xomo <3

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/23/2021 10:11:00 AM

Thanks for your support, Mo, I hope you are doing better~