Inevitable

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I used to think that if I planted a bean
in soft dark soil
it was inevitable that it would
grow into a bean plant.
Or if I threw a stone into the air
it was inevitable that it would
fall to the ground.
I used to think that if the wind blew
it was inevitable that it would move
the branches of our sycamore tree.
I used to think that if I walked down the stairs
it was inevitable that my legs would carry me.
I used to think that if I looked up into the night sky
it was inevitable that I'd see the stars.
I used to think that if I had something to say
it was inevitable that I could form
my thoughts into words.
I used to think that if I poured myself a glass of water
it was inevitable that I could swallow it.
I used to think that if a bird was
calling out to its mate
I'd be able to hear it.
I used to think it was inevitable
that a human being would be
born from another human being
and that it too could produce
another human being
and that it could dream and love
and make peace and war
and strum and sing and swim and run
and laugh and shout, argue and console,
write and draw, dance and pray
and that the earth would hang
in the sky along with the sun
and that clouds would pour down their rain
and that the frigid air would turn the rain into snow
that would cover mountain tops and fields
and melt and form rivers and lakes and oceans
and that fish would teem there and reproduce
and that the world would turn
and that there would be night and day
and divisions of time
and renewal and hope
and a respite from pain
and a chance to begin
again.
But this morning, having
woken up in a warm bed
after a good night of sleep
next to my beloved
in a home where there
is warmth and children
and the absence of rancor
in a world where I had
sometimes grown to believe
that all is cruelty and shame
and dissonance,
the music of the moment alerted me
to the idea that nothing is inevitable.
That all is miracle.
That all is wonder upon wonder,
layer after layer,
word after word after
endlessly
echoing words...
let there be light.
And indeed, for those who
take the time to see it,
there is light.