“More often than not splendor is the star we orbit without a second thought, especially as it arrives and departs.” Thomas Centolella offered that line in the poem Splendor. I stop occasionally and recall what is good about this life; family, a fulfilling vocation, and friends found along the journey. Most days, I travel this orbit rather mindlessly and I need a momentary and mindful pause which brings my world into sharper focus.
Be mindful, weary traveler, be mindful of what you have and hold it close while you can.
One day it’s the clouds,
one day the mountains.
One day the latest bloom
of roses – the pure monochromes,
the dazzling hybrids – inspiration
for the cathedral’s round windows.
Every now and then
there’s the splendor
of thought: the singular
idea and its brilliant retinue –
words, cadence, point of view,
little gold arrows flitting
between the lines.
And too the splendor
of no thought at all:
hands lying calmly
in the lap, or swinging
a six iron with effortless
tempo. More often than not
splendor is the star we orbit
without a second thought,
especially as it arrives
and departs. One day
it’s the blue glassy bay,
one day the night
and its array of jewels,
visible and invisible.
Sometimes it’s the warm clarity
of a face that finds your face
and doesn’t turn away.
Sometimes a kindness, unexpected,
that will radiate farther
than you might imagine.
One day it’s the entire day
itself, each hour foregoing
its number and name,
its cumbersome clothes, a day
that says come as you are,
large enough for fear and doubt,
with room to spare: the most secret
wish, the deepest, the darkest,
turned inside out.
There is some of most of what the poet refers to in that picture.
Teacher as Transformer 
great imagery with “cumbersome clothes” of the day. It’s as if Wednesday was shrugging off a sweater instantly, haha. Super poem full of crystalline moments.and the lake works it around for an eye-filling treat, as well.
The poet has a way of bringing images forward with the words and phrases.
love this
Thank you Pam.
This is a wonderful post. Thank you so much – it is a great way to end my day. Maybe I’ll reread it as I begin my tomorrow.
It came to me towards the end of the day and I was looking for the right conclusion. The poem reminded me of the work of Mary Oliver which I enjoy.
Splendid indeed! Very nice post!!
Merci Stéphane. I appreciate the kind words.
What a great quote. A very relaxing poem.
Thank you Kerry. I found the poem reminded me of the writing of Mary Oliver and could not resist its call.
Oh yes – No voyages. Loved it.
Oh I love this ~ it’s being present in the moment and enjoying what the moment offers! Great post!
Thank you Misifusa.
Reblogged this on lost creek publishing.