Unnecessary

-INSPIRED BY VAN GOGH EXHIBIT

My days are filled with necessity—
Tasks of feeding and clothing,
Driving and cleaning.

My hours are filled with monotony—
Acts of scooping and folding,
Steering and wiping.

So in that moment
When we entered the gallery
And saw it brimming with the necessary
On display in unnecessary ways,
My mind paused to take note.

The ordinary of a night sky
Against the extravagance of the brush swirls,
The typical of a vase of flowers
Against the stroking dance of drooping petals,
The boredom of a bare bedroom
Against the textured personalization,
The regularity of a worn face
Against the piercing gaze of sad green eyes.

And in that moment
As we crouched to the ground
And observed beauty flowing from the mundane
In every way unnecessary,
I paused to take stock.

My hours are filled with opportunity—
Moments to notice and lean in,
To listen and disciple.

My days are filled with possibility—
Presents over which to rejoice and delight,
To express gratitude and awe.

How do these inspired words resonate with you?
TELL US IN THE COMMENTS.

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SARAH STEELE is a poet and lifelong teacher. These days, that looks like leading her four lively redheads in their Michigan homeschool and engaging with students of all ages in poetry workshops, watercolor classes, nature study, and neighborhood book clubs. She thrives on community that goes deep and is grounded on biblical truths. You can find Sarah’s poems in The Fallow House, Calla Press, The Way Back to Ourselves, and other publications. She has published two alphabet books with her illustrator husband. Connect with Sarah on Instagram at @bysarahsteele and www.bysarahsteele.com.