If Not

from Miracle Strip by Matt Layne

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lyrics

If Not

for a certain slant of sun on the pinkening petals of the dogwood tree
as the road curves to more blossoms
and Woody Guthrie cattering about Pastures of Plenty
and for spring and golden golden pollen covering everything
as neighbors move trees and debris left by yesterday’s tornadoes
and the driver who slows so I can merge onto the highway
and the birds, everywhere the birds,
and for the baker who slips an extra cookie in the bag of the child
who presses their face against the cool glass of the case
and the child’s delight at finding that surprise moments later
and for my coffee being hot but not too hot and so delicious
and your hand near mine but not really touching
as we drive through Appalachian foothills,
if not for all this and the moon, now rising,
this world would hardly seem worth it.

credits

from Miracle Strip, released August 31, 2022

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about

Matt Layne Birmingham, Alabama

Poet, librarian, raconteur; Matt Layne has been poking hornet's nests and looking under rocks since he was knee-high to a peanut peg.
I reckon you oughta check him out.