In Favour of being Alive

Twenty-four years ago

I tried to
but with my usual incompetence
did not manage to.

Not even one good poem
out of it.
Obviously
I was no Sylvia Plath.

I don't know
why I write about it now
(and even now
I am not giving details)
except maybe I write
for hortatory or didactic reasons
to say to someone
Don't!

It's been a dull life
much of the time
but lots better
than no life at all.

You don't know how much
you may yet enjoy
just waking up
and peeling oranges
to eat with sugar
while you listen to the clock strike
down at the Town Hall
telling you again
that you're still here

And Sylvia Plath isn't.

-Elizabeth Brewster

At the end of the poem, the speaker begins a list of things that would be missed if one were dead. Notice that the list includes things that re quite common and yet meaningful and pleasurable in some way.

Think of all the everyday pleasures that you take for granted but can imagine missing. Make a list of atleast twenetly such pleasures.

Here is what I have so far:

1. Shopping
2. Dressing up
3. Watching T.V
4. Listening to music
5. Gossip
6. Praying
7. Going to church
8. seeking parent's blessings
9. Making breakfast
10. Swinging on the swings
11. Experiencing dreams
12. Learning about the world
13. Watching the sunset
14. going for a long drive

Do you have any other suggestions?

Are these good?

-singing in the shower
-sleeping in
-coloring
-laughing
-sitting by the fireplace
-playing in the snow

Yes! Think of what you would miss seeing, touching, tasting, smelling, hearing = anything that touches the senses. . .reading a good book, etc.

Sra

Certainly! Here are some more suggestions to add to your list of everyday pleasures:

15. Reading a good book
16. Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea
17. Having a nice meal with loved ones
18. Laughing at a funny joke or movie
19. Taking a warm bath or shower
20. Going for a walk in nature
21. Playing with a pet
22. Hugging a loved one
23. Trying a new recipe or cooking a favorite dish
24. Feeling the warmth of the sun on your face
25. Sharing a heartfelt conversation with a friend
26. Dancing to your favorite song
27. Stargazing on a clear night
28. Snuggling under a cozy blanket
29. Sending or receiving a thoughtful letter or message
30. Discovering a new hobby or interest

Remember, the goal is to acknowledge and appreciate the small joys in life that often go overlooked.