Contrast: Ease within the Difficulty

Beautiful evening
Wonderful feeling,
Recovery is not assured
But ease is also here,

Having much peace
In spite of the shingles,
The accompanying pain
And trace of worry:

Will this heal
And when?
What scars will remain
If any?

But always
I come back to
The tranquil present
To rest:

No construction noises,
Cool air inside,
Glorious colours
In the sunset outside;

Comfortable surroundings
And time to recover,
Simple food
But within my reach;

This moment has all I need,
All I need to handle;
It’s such a rare circumstance
To be unburdened by duties.

Illness may bring discomfort,
Unpleasant sensations and limitations,
But can also occasion a break
From other preoccupations.