The Spaces In-Between

Most of life is spent in
hope for better things yet
expectation of what is to come
or anticipation of what could be
and while this is good, even necessary...
Focusing on the few
more “memorable” moments
misses out on much
of the spaces in-between:

Time with loved ones
time amid others
time to ourselves
time spent going places
and getting things done
time spent sitting utterly still

Such seemingly mundane spaces
on life's broad canvas
are the underpainting of the portrait
that our life becomes
the basis of the character we create
moment-by-moment
day-by-day
While more exciting times
are mere small fragments
on their own, a sad display
an infinitesimal, tiny sample
of the grander scene of life

So slow down, dear ones
Breathe deeply, remembering that
rushing only leads to rudeness

Instead of slopping through
these middling spaces...
Correct some of their ugliness by
brushing them with beauty, a little each day
Carefully choosing each word and action-
coloring them with kindness

Be honest, but without cruelty
Stop tolerating the intolerable
stop committing to what you don't want
stop rejecting what you truly need
life is a limited commodity
don't squander your time or anyone else's

Clothe yourself with humility
artist's smock of life
the covering that allows for
mistakes, creativity
and continual learning

Make the most of every moment
especially
the ones in-between
you might find that in the end
they were the most precious times of all

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 10/3/2018 7:45:00 PM
I like your thoughts on empty spaces...especially the spaces in front of us...nicely rendered my friend...love & spaces...^WW^
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Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/3/2018 8:23:00 PM
Thank you for the wonderful comment! ;)
Date: 10/2/2018 3:28:00 PM
What a wonderfully wise message in this beautiful piece, Rhona. i think I do enjoy all the middle parts of my life. I live day to day anticipating my evenings because it's my play time!! But right now I am enjoying the poems like yours that I am reading!
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Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/2/2018 8:11:00 PM
Thank you so very much!! ;)
Date: 10/2/2018 7:26:00 AM
This went straight to FAV list for me, my friend. I love the poetically way you drew me in, delighting my artist's heart and my poet's joy. Well done, indeed!
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Mcferran Avatar
Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/2/2018 10:09:00 AM
Thank you, my friend! I know you relish all the in-between moments! ;)
Date: 10/1/2018 5:36:00 PM
I love the way you ended your precious poem. Your wisdom here is self explanatory through your creative knitted words. Thanks for sharing your talent. Have a blessed evening dear poet.
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Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/1/2018 7:58:00 PM
Thank you so much for the kind words! ;)
Date: 10/1/2018 2:19:00 PM
Yes, the 'in-between' moments are to be cherished, wonderful free verse, Rhona!
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Mcferran Avatar
Rhona Mcferran
Date: 10/1/2018 2:49:00 PM
Thank you so much! ;)
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