To be Human

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Recently, someone asked for my bio.

Usually, they want to know where I went to school and where I worked, and what I have accomplished that may make someone in the audience say, “Wow.”

So I’m working on a new bio. Here’s the first draft.

Late in her life, May Sarton was questioned about what she wanted to be when she “grew up.” She relied, “To be human.”

Not bad.

That’s my goal in life, too.

To be human is about regaining what has been lost in the shuffle when life has been relegated to keeping score and making waves. To be human is about cultivating he good life. To be human is about gardening the soul.

Now, my questions have begun to change:

Are there butterflies in your garden? Are there dandelions in your lawn? And when was the last time your house smelled of paper-white narcissus?

Do sunsets make you smile? When was the last time you stood in stocking feet just to stare at the moon? Have you ever seen a sunflower bloom?

Does the laughter of children do your heart good? At what angle does the sun enter your house? And when do your irises blossom?

Are you comforted by the sound of rain of your roof? And have you watched the hummingbirds dance?

I love to watch the hummingbirds dance.

I love that my son likes to put on his dancing shoes.

I love to join him when we play old time rock and roll.

I love to stretch out on a garden bench on a warm summer day.

I love a hot shower and drying with an expensive oversized cotton towel.

I love books and savor poetry, and find sustenance–and sanity–in writing.

I treasure the certainty that grace gives us all many second chances.

And I love to lose track of time in my garden.