The Sensual Life

It can be a pain, existing as a physical being. My right knee is acting strange today. And my neck muscles are still strained and tight--will start physical therapy Wednesday. And it's hot enough today to make the sweat trickle. But honestly, who wouldn't want a life in which:

• I'm awakened by the sound of rain and the smell of it pressing through the window screens.
• The cat's tummy is soft, and she makes eager little sounds as we head downstairs to get her breakfast.
• The water in the shower is hot but not too hot; the pressure is strong enough to wake me up.
• That first drink of water in the morning--nothing like it.
• Vegetables at the farmers' market form dark rainbows, lined up in luxurious piles of greens, dark reds, yellows, purples.
• The coffee from Panera is perfectly hazelnut.
• Mozart chamber music pulses from the car radio, giving the city street an aura of majesty.
• At church we clap as we sing a spiritual; the energy snaps brightly around the room.
• We extend to one another a sign of peace; eyes meet, and we shake hands and say, "Peace be with you." Hands have so many textures and temperatures.
• High above the communion table, wide, richly colored streamers of cloth join at the top and stretch out above us in all directions.
• Later, my husband and I sit in the shade on the restaurant patio.
• We taste fresh coffee, also ice-cold water and a cocktail with wine and whiskey.
• Our sandwiches are golden, green, white, brown, yellow: sourdough bread, scrambled egg, bacon, fried green tomatoes, greens, and special mayo.
• We end with chocolate mousse, a delight to eye and tongue.
• Our hands touch there on the table top, while sunshine dances on the street and people of every size, shape, and color talk and eat around us.
• When we drive home, the city skyline is sharp against a true-blue sky.
• In our back yard, the foliage is lush and adorned with bright oranges, reds, pinks, and blues of begonias and impatiens.
• When you lie in the hammock, you can feel the whole world sway.
• Nothing sweeter to the eyes than husband in the hammock, with the cat snuggled into his side; both are napping on this summer afternoon.

What a grand, sensual life. What gifts at our feet and above our heads every single day.