Little Things

This is one of my favorite pieces that I’ve ever written, but it’s difficult to share due to its shape! So, I’ve included it as a PNG here, and for anyone who has difficulty seeing the picture, I’ll describe it below so you can listen to it. :)

Know that the whole poem is shaped like a hand (like my left hand, in fact).

The Pinky Finger:

One. In the small things, there is so much unseen beauty.

The Ring Finger:

Two. These things are so easy to miss, despite their existence right at our very own, uniquely shaped fingertips.

The Middle Finger:

Three. Each line, each knuckle, each bone, vein, muscle, move, freckle, divot, every bit of it formed with care.

The Pointer Finger:

Four. Given by God, made with love, used all day with hardly a thought. These things are even far beyond beautiful.

The Thumb:

Five. Existing all around us and we hardly take notice.

The Palm:

Take a moment now, and breathe in deeply. Feel the air enter your lungs. Let it expand. A complex process has just occurred inside. No drama, no bother, no need to take control. You breathe, you blink, you yawn, you speak. The simple, beautiful things are a part of you. See how many of these can fit in your palm? You read all these words. Do you realize how amazing that is? Or maybe someone is reading this to you. That person cares. Sometimes, the bad things are huge. They fill so much space. But if you start to count, those things have a disadvantage. Count on your fingers. If you don’t have those, count toes. Count breaths, blinks, smiles, winks, eyes, hairs, nose. Multiply by everyone near you, and that’s a start. The beautiful little “goods” are innumerable. Do you want to know where God is, what he has done for you? Look at your hand.

. . .

Originally Published in a St. Louis Library Poem Anthology in 2021. The anthology isn’t something most people would stumble across without looking for it, so I’ve shared it on social media and am happy to share it here as well. :)