Still Walking *

The only way to live is to accept each minute as

an unrepeatable miracle.

-Margaret Storm Jameson

"Still Walking" is the name of a beautifully rendered film by Kore-Eda Hirokazu. This is a film that speaks softly and carries a very big stick. The story is deceptively miraculous, and beautifully paced. The story, and title inspired me to consider miracles.

It's raining. The dry summer and fall
has many of the webbed footed humans
praising the passing cell of rain dropping steadily on our island on this Island Earth.
But yesterday did you see them? Single drops. Drops as big as polka-dots.
It's a miracle.

It's a miracle. Which miracle?
Last night I chopped up a onion, smashed garlic and minced it.
Into the heated olive oil I tossed the alliums.
The smell, the sizzle.
It's a miracle.

It's a miracle. Which miracle?
The still bright blue pot.
The pot that has traveled with us.
The pot that has survived experimental concoctions,
a burner left too hot.
It's a miracle.

It's a miracle. Which miracle?
Potlucks with neighbors.
Neighbors who live just down the road a bit.
A bit of allium, three thighs of chicken,
half a red-orange skinned squash, a crook neck and zucchini, too.
A freshly fallen Gravenstein only slightly bruised.
A palm-full of herbs.
Topped off with water.
It's a miracle.

It's a miracle. Which miracle?
Still walking down the road
Down the road to a neighborhood party
A party, potluck, conversation
storytelling and shoot'n the breeze
It's a miracle.