Eyes Up, Hearts Up

Brief words from me to you

Anyone need a pick me up? How about this:

Lin-Manuel Miranda did a whole series of Good Morning and Good Night tweets that he later compiled into a book. I haven’t really followed along but found this one recently. I love how he captures the idea of facing the day with energy and drive toward something other than getting richer or beating the other side.

And then I found¹ this poem, in which coffee also features prominently:

Imaginary Conversation

—by Linda Pasten

You tell me to live each day
as if it were my last. This is in the kitchen
where before coffee I complain
of the day ahead—that obstacle race
of minutes and hours,
grocery stores and doctors.

But why the last? I ask. Why not
live each day as if it were the first—
all raw astonishment, Eve rubbing
her eyes awake that first morning,
the sun coming up
like an ingénue in the east?

You grind the coffee
with the small roar of a mind
trying to clear itself. I set
the table, glance out the window
where dew has baptized every
living surface.

Between these two, I’m taking this as a sign I need to a) up my caffeine intake and
b) try my hand at a few pithy messages, not just for mornings, but portable to take with on whatever journey lies ahead :

Find the horizon
Or a tree far away
Let your eyes adjust
See?

Whatever just happened
What if you let it go?

Stretch and hold
Splash cold water
Extra mascara; bold earrings
First thing’s first
Step with purpose

Did you check the directions?
Turn it off and on?
How about yourself?

Coffee, oh coffee,
Magic in a cup
With your help every morning
I keep my chin up

Walk around the block.
Glass of water.
Three deep breaths.
Now try again.

Holding on to grudges doesn’t make you strong.
It’s eating you up inside.
What if you could soar weightless
Released, on the wings of forgiveness?

Hang on,
What if it’s not a lost cause?
What if there’s more to it?
Let’s give it another go.
I know you’re tired.
Put out the nets one more time
And see
So many fish to catch

What will stop you in your tracks?
Hopefully, smelling roses.
Can you lower the bar
To be stopped and amazed by so many small things?
Yes, there’s enough time

Deep breath.
You are here.
You are loved.
That’s enough.

And now it’s your turn. Why don’t you give it a go and leave it in the comments? Or share someone else’s words that are meaningful to you.

1. Thanks to Julie Hester for sharing this poem.