If I Were God I Think I Would Have Created
a world pretty much like the one we’ve got.
I would have colored grass green and
ordained that poetry would never sell well.
I would have made a world where you can cut
your finger off with a table saw if you’re not careful.
You’re probably wondering if I would have
permitted all that sickness and dying in my world.
As my hair and beard are growing more and more
gray I’m answering that one more and more yes.
I don’t like the tribulations, never have, never will.
But by God those things slow you down, they do,
and you don’t miss as much when you go slow.
Rest assured I would have tried to make a world
without pain, I just don’t know if it would have spun.
Stop the world I want to get off….or maybe not?
You might not be making money as a poet, but you are putting a smile on my face… your poetry rocks!
I attended some funerals, even if I didn’t know the person, just to hear Don Leigh preach. One of the things he always said: “Age weans us from the earth.” Part of your poem reminds me of that.
You are so right.
It is “by God,” and I don’t like slowing down any more than I like the tribulations, but I do see that the green grass and the cut finger are probably all part and parcel of the same Love.
Sweet, touching, truthful, and beautiful as always. Would expect nothing less from you. You stir my heart and make many memories and dreams revive in my mind. Thanks for using the gift God has given you! Love you.
I really love this poem. It speaks to me especially in this moment in my live. Why are you not a famous poet? or are you???
This is such a beautiful perspective on the beauty and paradox of joy and sorrow, dark and light. I especially love the line “you don’t miss as much when you go slow.”
Have you ever read the poetry of Wendell Berry? You seem like one who would connect with it.