It's Just One More Today

John is a poet and short fiction writer who enjoys collaborating on stories with other writers, and partaking in challenges.

Word Prompt: "Today."

This week the word-prompt challenge issued by Brenda Arledge was "today." Although, it is a good subject to write about, and follows other related words like "yesterday" and "tomorrow," I was somewhat challenged by this prompt. I have written a number of articles/poems previously about "today" and didn't want to repeat myself.

There is an abundance of cliched quotes about today like:

• "Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." ~ Bil Keane.
• "What is good today may be a cliche tomorrow." ~ Alexey Brodovich
• "Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday." ~ Dale Carnegie.
• "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." ~ annonymous

So, anyway, I decided to just write about my particular today. Here is my poem and response to Brenda's prompt titled "It's Just One More Today."

Nike

1 / 3

It's Just One More Today

Today I woke up from a dream

with a smile to greet the day.

Stretching, I sat up in my bed

to salute the rising sun.

The cat waits, silent 'til I stir,

then meows, “It’s time for food!”

That signal’s that today’s begun,

and I must obey her subtle clues.

I can’t sleep in past seven,

for this, she won’t allow.

The Queen demands her will be done.

She’s my alarm with paws.

So, I go to feed the cats,

they gather on the porch.

Rubbing up against my legs,

each jostling to be first.

Then tea with lemon for my wife

and coffee/mocha for myself.

Always the same morning routine,

the cats make sure of that.

I’ll check my iPad for emails,

and also the latest news.

This may lead to discussion

of what’s happening in the world.

Soon it’s time for breakfast

to help kick-start the day,

then washing-up and laundry

and another chore or two.

There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow., so today is the right day to love, believe, do, and mostly live.

— Dalai Lama

If there’s no unplanned event

my today goes by as told.

I’ll let the hens out to free-range

until the day is done.

I take a quick but soothing shower,

then go to check for mail,

and visit the store if need be.

That may all take an hour.

On return the time is mine,

so I sit down at my desk,

allocate writing priorities,

and put my pen to test.

The unforeseen may happen.

That can be good or bad.

A friend may drop in for a chat,

or something may break down.

But if today does go to plan

I’ll let my muse take charge.

And write until it’s dinner time,

With a few breaks in between.

My freelance gigs take precedence,

with HubPages close behind.

If I need a break I’ll watch TV,

or surf the Net awhile.

So, that’s my today’s schedule,

will tomorrow be the same?

That I won’t know until it comes,

but it’s just one more today.

This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before.

— Maya Angelou.

© 2021 John Hansen

Comments

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 10, 2021:

Thank you for reading Mark. Yes, got to love the Dalai Lama's wisdom.

Mark Tulin from Palm Springs, California on May 10, 2021:

Thanks for taking me for this day in the the life poem. I also like the Dalai Lama quote.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 05, 2021:

Thank you EK (Moondot). Sorry you were too busy to take part in this word prompt challenge. Maybe next time. I appreciate you taking the time to read this poem.

EK Jadoon from Abbottabad Pakistan on May 05, 2021:

You are good at playing with words, Jodah. I couldn't take part in Brenda's word prompt because of my busy schedule. This was a lovely response to word prompt. Thanks for sharing.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 05, 2021:

It is good to see you, Venkatachari. I appreciate your kind comment.

Venkatachari M from Hyderabad, India on May 05, 2021:

Hi, John. It is wonderful today that you narrated in your response along with very beautiful quotes. I enjoyed it all.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 05, 2021:

Thank you Liz. Much appreciated.

Liz Westwood from UK on May 05, 2021:

Happy birthday to you both. I hope you enjoy the trip.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 05, 2021:

Hi Vidya. It is good that you can relate to my routine and also being woken by your pet. Thank you for the kind comment.

VIDYA D SAGAR on May 05, 2021:

A beautiful poem of a perfect day in your life John. We can all relate to this routine. Pets are a wonderful alarm to wake up to. My pet wakes me with a lick and a bark, telling me it's time to feed him. It was fun reading your poem.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 05, 2021:

Gyanendra, thank you for your kind words. I am glad this poem was a helpful reminder for you. Take care.

gyanendra mocktan from Kathmandu,Nepal on May 05, 2021:

John, It's a wonderful poem helping me use today as per my plan that was made yesterday.

It helps me to stick to my plan at any cost. I don't know about tomorrow.

Thank you for reminding me and many more souls from far and wide

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Hello, Linda. Thanks for reading and enjoying. I think cats are pretty much the same everywhere :)

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on May 04, 2021:

This is an enjoyable look at a day in your life, John. I had to smile when i read about the behaviour of your cats in the morning. The description reminded me of my three cats.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Thanks Pegg, it seems all cats are the same. First priority is always feeding them. Thanks for reading about my day. You have a good one too.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 04, 2021:

I enjoyed hearing how your day starts with feeding your cats. When we had our two inside cats, that was always first on the agenda. Enjoy the balance of your day and tomorrow, as well.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Hello Liz, welcome to a day on my life. I hope it wasn’t too dull. I am actually going away next weekend to visit my son and celebrate our birthdays together for a change of routine. We haven’t been able to travel too far because of COVID restrictions for awhile.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Thank you for reading this, Devika. I was afraid that my day would be so normal to sound boring. I am glad you enjoyed reading about it.

Liz Westwood from UK on May 04, 2021:

This is a great poem. Readers get a clear picture of your routine from the well-crafted poetry. It's like a fly-on-the-wall document of your daily life.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 04, 2021:

Hi Jodah Your poem is perfect! Your day sounds good and a great start to this challenge. You describe your day as normal as can be.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Hello Shauna. I am pleased that you found this relatable, especially the cats calling for you to feed them. I was fortunate to retire from full-time employment early so now writing Is my casual work from home. My paid writing gets done first, and then Take some time to devote to HubPages. Hopefully your muse gets to return home soon so we can be blessed with your wonderful writing.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on May 04, 2021:

I so relate to this, John. Although, I still must answer to an alarm clock, one of my cats invariable started shouting through my door, "Mom, it's time to get up. We're hungry! Are you up? Are you up? Mom, get up!"

My days are pretty much filled with routine from the time I get up 'til time to go to bed. Hopefully that will change when I retire and my muse will come back home.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Hi Linda. My days are quite routine but, yes a little like putting on a favourite sweater lol..so I am quite happy. Oh the time the cat wakes me seems to vary a little with the seasons, so may have something to do with the light or temperature....days are shortening here, sun is rising a little later so presently it’s around 7am. During Summer it was as early as 6.15.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Thank you Peace. Glad you found a poem about my daily routine interesting to read about. Take care.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Hi Fran. I am glad you enjoy my poetry and I truly appreciate your generous comment. I promise to keep writing them. Cheers.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on May 04, 2021:

John, yours is a simple, routine day but there's something sweet and comforting about a day without drama--it's like putting on an old sweater. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse of your today.

(By the way, I'll admit to a bit of envy. My cat won't allow me a moment beyond 6:20 a.m.)

Peace Tobe Dike from Delta State, Nigeria. on May 04, 2021:

I enjoyed reading your peom. I liked that you gave an insight on your routine .nice work..well done

fran rooks from Toledo, Ohio on May 04, 2021:

John, I simply love reading your poems! I can't say anything better than what others have commented. Great poem and I need more. Thanks for submitting.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Thank you for taking the time to comment Bill, when you are getting ready to leave. Have a great vacation and stay safe.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on May 04, 2021:

My days are extraordinarily ordinary, my friend, and I wouldn't trade them with anyone. I am blessed. Loved the poem, as always! Carry on! I'm off on vacation in two hours.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Haha thanks Iqra.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Hey Pamela. as good a way as any I guess. Yep, gotta have that morning coffee. Thanks for reading.

Iqra from East County on May 04, 2021:

Hahaha Ok now you are a poet John. lol

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on May 04, 2021:

You daily routine is a good way to meet Brenda's prompt of 'today'. I liked your poem, and I thought you met the challenge. I love my morning coffee too.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Hi Lorna, it is great to get your comment. My day is pleasant if somewhat boring. It often has its moments though. Wow, you certainly have a farm life going on. That's great.

Lorna Lamon on May 04, 2021:

It's comforting to read about your morning routine John and it sounds like the perfect way to start the day. I'm usually up at 5am to help with the milking and to feed the hens, ducks and pigs. That coffee sounds good as well. A great response to the prompt, which made me smile.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Aww, thank you for your kind words, Igra. I am glad you enjoyed my poem, and yes, feel free to call me Poet John lol.

Iqra from East County on May 04, 2021:

Wow a wonderful poem, John I am glad to read this poem that you have become a poet inspired by Brend. I also want to be a poet inspired by You. :D

Can I call you poet John? :D

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Thank you for reading this poem about my day, Ravi. I appreciate your comment. Glad you liked that quote too.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Thank you, Chitrangada. I thought it the easiest route to describe a day in my life. Glad you enjoyed the read. Blessings.

Ravi Rajan from Mumbai on May 04, 2021:

Nicely written John.I like the sentence "today is the day after today".it has so many meanings bundled into it.Thanks John for sharing your wonderful schedule for today.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on May 04, 2021:

Excellent response to Brenda's word prompt challenge, Today!

I liked it when you give glimpses of your nornal days, so much relatable!

That's the way it works and it goes on!

This was an interesting and enjoyable read! Thank you for sharing!

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 04, 2021:

Hi Misbah, thank you for reading about my “today” and for your kind comment. Yes, cats are a fail safe alarm clock. Blessings.

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on May 03, 2021:

Thanks a lot, John, for this beautiful poem. I must say, your family and your cats are really lucky to have you. I can feel one kind and caring person in your poem. I also need cats in my house. So they can wake me up in the morning, at least I won't be able to snooze them as I do with my 2 side clock alarms. Lol

I enjoyed reading it. Thank you very much for sharing your daily routine with us through this lovely poem. As always, you have given an excellent response to Brenda's prompt.

Blessings and Peace

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on May 03, 2021:

Thank you, Brenda. Yes, the cats have a built in clock they know exactly when it is morning and afternoon feed times. My days are generally pretty similar to one another, unless we are going away for the weekend or something unexpected crops up. Thank you for sharing the link.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on May 03, 2021:

John,

I like your approach tackling this one in a different direction.

Those kitty cats have a way of knowing when it's time to wake so if you were late...I'm sure Nike would greet you with affection.

Like you say, she's your alarm with paws.

It's amazing how we seem to fall into those morning routines.

We get used to doing things a certain way.

But at least you've carved your time out for your muse to come out and be creative.

For me, it seems those interruptions come into play.

No one knows what tomorrow brings but you are right...it's just one more day.

I love your pictures of Nike, Phoebe, & Toothless. Adorable!

I've always loved John Denver's music. Maybe because it's like poetry.

A wonderful write giving us a glimpse into your day.

I'll post a link in the article.