It's The Little Things
Introspective poem and inspiration on those days when it all feels too much.
quietly I sit
breathing in
breathing out
as I listen
listen
as the rain
taps the window
rhythmically
persistently
quietly I sit
breathing in
breathing out
as I hear
unknown melodies
unsung songs
as the rain
taps the window
the barks of dogs
in the distance
signal the start
of the day
another day
of living
so often
on the edge
of complete shutdown
but it’s the little things
that drag me from the edge
of that particular abyss
the spider that comes into sharp focus
that tries for what feels like the 100th time
to scale the window, while the rain taps against the window
he’s on the inside, so he’s safe from stray drops, for now
we’re on the inside, so we’re safe from all the world throws our way
but it’s the little things
the insignificant, in the face of all I, we see
that steal me from the pull of the unforgiving nothingness
like the sound of Christine*
and her vocals pristine
“yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone”
and I pause, on the brink
pause to think, pause to wonder
what lies a-yonder
breathing in
breathing out
it’s the little things
the simple things
like the comfort
of my dearest
“tomorrow’s another day”
as I sit quietly
my spider, my companion
will carry on
tomorrow
as I sink back
And “think about times to come”
“…not about the things” I’ve done
#
Thanks for reading!
Author’s Notes: This is my first poem written for Scrittura, another publication on Medium. You can find the original following the link below. It’s introspective, but also I hope inspiring for anyone having one of those days when everything feels too much.
*Christine refers to the late, great Christine McVie and the quoted lyrics from “Don’t Stop” a song she penned for her band Fleetwood Mac.
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
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The Ritual of Winter Challenge Winners
Welcome to the Winners Announcement for The Ritual of Winter challenge. This prompt focused on winter rituals and the meaning that settles into them over time. The top pieces stay grounded in ordinary acts and repeated routines, letting winter shape the work through pace, attention, and restraint.
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Comments (13)
Its raining here today.
Oh, the quiet, sharp companionship a spider can bring! Excellently done Paul!
This was very calming and grounding. Needed a read like this today. Think I'll spend a few moments focusing on those little things. This is a subtly powerful piece!
Always the little things and I was reminded of a fellow Scotsman with your spider too. Intentional or not, it was a nice inclusion. Hope you're going okay.
Very nice, Paul. I can see you staring out a window, watching this little spider trying to get higher. 😊
It's the little things pulling us back from the edge, as if the things which have drawn us so close to the edge are not ultimately little things themselves. (I may have to use that somewhere, lol.) Fleetwood Mac, always good to hear.
Ooo, So simple, yet so powerful. I love how this poem captures the beauty in the quiet, everyday moments. Well done!
So beautiful and raw, Paul. I love the way this piece flows. Little things remind us to live in the moment. Hope you are doing well!
I loved this! It's such a soft, quiet poem. Sometimes those are the best kind.
Very well said. And a great reminder that all's not lost. The little things make us smile. 😊
It's the little things that get us through the big things. Well said, my friend.
Well writ, Sir, and entirely relatable, as I'm sure you know. I caught on to the Christine reference right away. What a wonderful talent we lost there! I may have to load up some Fleetwood Mac on the playlist today. Love from our house to yours!
Forgive the assumption, but I hope you're doing okay, my guy. The world can suck sometimes, but there's a lot of good in it. The little things can always go a long way. Great poem as always, Paul.