Waves

I watched the waves come in steady —

for each three breaking, three more would appear.

At every moment, some were ending,

some were forming,

some would break and some just disappeared

I thought of life, of opportunities

as if each were a wave, as if I had to choose,

as if some waves would bring me

the fulfillment that I hoped for,

while other choices might well disappoint

and then I watched the light across the water,

the brightness of the blues, the constancy

of all the pattern, and I knew

what comes into my life is not beholden

on luck or on the choices that I make

Just as all this sea

is given to my eyes, and all this beach,

so all my days are given me, and all their joy —

There are no misses, no crestfallen choices.

The one who gives me life 

has promised goodness, too,

and gives it constantly

throughout my days.

©Wendy Mulhern

July 9, 2016