Everything I have ever done
has prepared me for this.
Everyone I have ever touched
has led me to this embrace.
Everywhere I have ever been
has brought me here.
Every now
is a yes
unfolding.
The mockingbird’s refrain,
the slow moan of ocean breath,
the swaying sea oats gleaming,
the cricket whistle,
my neighbor’s flapping flag –
none of these could entice me
nothing new could surprise or delight me
if it were not for all
that went before.
Even this tiny seabird
with its rusty song
would be only a bird
among other birds
(greasy crows
squealing gulls
stalking sandpipers)
had it not been
for everything
everything
I have ever done.