A minute ago my laptop warned me
its battery was nearly depleted
As I rose from my chair
and dashed down the hall
to find a charger
I felt my pulse rate rise
and it started my mind thinking
about atriums & chambers
ventricles & valves
in the muscle in the middle of my chest
Blood careening —
through and through
through and through
through and through
So that I can smell the peppermint tea
in my favorite mug sitting next to me
the one I like the texture of
and how it reminds me of
the friend who gave it to me
How briefly
we get to inhabit
our own vessels
on such a planet
in such a universe
And at this moment
of mysterious existence
if no one’s reminded you lately
I hope you know:
you are miraculous
