Prayer
Galway KinnellWhatever happens. Whatever
what is is is what
I want. Only that. But that.
MARGINALIA
1.
Belly full, and mind, and heart. An hour past midnight and well into a new morning. Thinking about all the days that led to this, and all the days after this one.
2.
Sometimes I find it so simple—to be happy. And sometimes it is exhausting and terribly difficult, and you almost question why until you catch yourself, and gently remember that in this world there are more questions than there are answers, and that’s okay.
3.
This moment: at the table, surrounded by people you love, a glass of wine in hand, and that quiet realisation that maybe this is all you need for tonight. That maybe this night will get you through other nights.
4.
Enough. Enough now.
Merry Christmas.
endnotes
This poem appeared in A New Selected Poems by Galway Kinnell, published by Ecco, 2001. Shared here with profound gratitude.
Read more works by Galway Kinnell • Find books by this poet • Or view my library
Explore poems in pursuit of: grace • letting go • what is holy • Or browse the index
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