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