I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise. I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.

At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.

Poet: Jane Kenyon
Poem: Otherwise
Volume: Otherwise
Year: Published/Written in 1996

Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Otherwise, has received 24 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own.