Notes About The Poem

Written 6th September, 2026 for Five Perspectives Poetry Contest sponsored by Margarita Lillico 

What Matters ....

“Attention is the beginning of devotion.” —Mary Oliver

I keep the pebble safe with me, Within my pocket’s care. I turn my bear to watch the tree; He sits beside me on the chair. At lunch I smile at crowds that glance, And hope for friendly eyes to meet. By night, I search the newest dance, To keep in step out on the street. I check the clock to plan my day, And clear the inbox, one by one. The heavy keys are tucked away; Before I leave, the day’s begun. I test my knee before the stair, The kitchen hinge complains at night. I mend the things that need my care, And leave the rest to settle right. I move my chair into the sun, And warm both hands around my tea. The morning asks for nothing done; The light has found the place for me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 3:44 PM
love Mary Oliver and enjoyed her quote. I felt your journey. Nicely penned. Faving.
Smith nee Howarth Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Thank you Sara ... the quote just stood out to me.
Hind Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 9:30 AM
lovely poem, Alison- a nice morning for you I hope <3
Hind Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 2:48 PM
❤️ it's such a little thing to do, hun! I LOVE reading what you have to say!
Smith nee Howarth Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 11:34 AM
It's 4am here my days are your nights.... thank you for your constant visits they are my strength to carry on.❤️
MITRA Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 5:55 AM
Cherished Alison, 🌸 What quietly undoes me here is how the poem begins by keeping things close, then ends with the astonishing discovery that nothing need be kept at all—the light simply finds you. “The morning asks for nothing done” feels like the poem’s secret heart: attention has travelled from duty into grace. And methinks thy verses do more than mirror moments—they act as an inner mirror of the soul that writes them; I find myself picturing thee, to some extent, through those mirrors, and discerning there a sublime soul abiding quietly behind the words. 👀 Roll on with thy quill, ✍️ and keep bestowing such calm, Cherished Alison. ✨
Smith nee Howarth Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 6:03 AM
Thank you so much for this deeply thoughtful reading. You’ve touched the quiet journey I hoped the poem might make—from holding close the small things that help us through the day, toward that final moment of simply being held by light. I’m especially grateful that “The morning asks for nothing done” spoke to you. Sometimes grace arrives not as an answer or achievement, but as a pause in which we realise we need not carry quite so much. Your generous words truly mean a great deal to me. Thank you for seeing the tenderness beneath the ordinary moments—and for such lovely encouragement. 🌸✨
Poet Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 2:43 AM
Allison, your fantastic poem beautifully captures the essence of finding peace and mindfulness in everyday moments. The imagery of holding a pebble in your pocket and observing life around you creates a sense of calm and presence. The poem also reflects on the small actions that shape our day, highlighting how attention to detail matters in nurturing devotion to life’s simple pleasures.
Smith nee Howarth Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 3:06 AM
Your comment is very much appreciated.
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