Under-rated Pleasures

In life
There are
So many
Under-rated
Pleasures

Like waking up next to someone you love
And feeling the soft warmth of their body
The rise and fall of their reassuring breath
And the beating of their heart next to yours

There are
So many
Under-rated
Pleasures
In life

Like drifting between the worlds of dreaming and waking
When reality is still malleable as clay in your hands
When everything is possible and nothing forbidden
And the day’s worries are as unreal as distant clouds

So many
Under-rated
Pleasures
In life
There are

Like seeing an elderly couple walking hand-in-hand
Still together and in love after all these years
Watching them smile at each other with affection
Or better still, being that elderly couple

Under-rated
Pleasures
In life
There are
So many

Like the joy of children playing without a care
Or the lilt of a busker’s tune on a busy pavement
Like the sweet scent of a passing stranger
Or the wafted delights of food that makes you drool

Pleasures
In life
There are
So many
Under-rated

Like watching a robin bobbing outside your window
Or listening to a cat purr when you stroke it
Like the boundless energy of a dog running free
Or the tiny paws of a squirrel clutching its nut-treasure

There are
In life
So many
Under-rated
Pleasures

Like the bliss of stepping into a hot bath or shower
And the flicker of scented candles in the dark
Like the flood of relief after you were bursting to go
Or the buzz you get from a particularly good sneeze

In life
There are
So many
Pleasures
Under-rated

Like the bouquet of a good wine on the palette
Or a mature cheese that lingers in your mouth
Like the surprising joy of pancakes in the morning
Or the decadence of chocolate melting on your tongue

There are
So many
Pleasures
Under-rated
In life

Like the voice of a friend on the other end of the line
Or a pillow-soft hug when you need it most
Like an unexpected kiss or a bunch of flowers
Or the wispy words of a poet in your ear

In life
There are
So many
Under-rated
Pleasures