Gratitude
THANK YOU
In the early morning hours
On this holiday
I give thanks for my many blessings
For their path, and their way
For gratitude cannot be qualified
An appreciation that comes from within
Authentic and original
It drives our spirit
And encourages us to begin again
And so I offer this brief thank you
To those who support my work
Of poetry and the written word
And my effort to build a network
We share, connect
And respect
All who wish to visit
That they are welcome
Without doubt
It is understood, implicit
Labor Day, 2023
Patience
Would it be for the first bird
to land upon the feeder
Or rain to nurture the fields
And cool the day
Replace conflict with peace
And suffering with joy
There is nothing to gain
Over that which we have
no influence
So begin again, reframe
Seasons cannot be hurried
Nor process upon which we rely
Relationships are cultivated
Musical compositions are written
With intention
Then fully come alive
So why press and hurry
Look closely, for to deny
The nature of patience
Inhibits our need
To simplify
So inhale deeply
Breathe in life-giving air
Trust time will resolve
Our restlessness
And All that we can bear
For impatience is an eager foe
Willing to undermine
To take ahold
But Providence is stronger still
Steadfast and humble
one hundred-fold
Airport Musings
Full of gratitude
My soul is comforted by
the thoughtfulness of humankind
A smile
An offer to assist You’ve got this
Don’t doubt for a minute
Say no, or despair
Life has its ups
Life has its downs
The same centuries deep
Acknowledge and move on
We hold the power
over
Body and mind
So turn up the music
Buy the fine bottle of wine
Spend time with those who lift you up
Nod and move beyond
Those that pull from behind
And lend a hand to those
Who will benefit from your care
For life is a dance
Some steps are beautiful, and in synch
Others less graceful
But all part of a mosaic
A tapestry, if you will
For us to embrace
with all of its flaws, foibles,
and beauty
this amazing gift
We call life
Gratitude
Words of encouragement
Gave me the courage to carry on
To start each day with optimism
And for those who looked askance
At what the future held
I was able to rise above
Moved by the nod, the smile
By those who acknowledged my fight
And had faith in my ability to overcome
Those who I knew well
And those who I just met
Offered their support
In prayer and kindness, a tapestry
Of unconditional care, and love
So that when the sun would set
I could close my eyes with confidence
That when tomorrow came
I would gather up my energy
Face any challenge with resolve
Not blame
It is with gratitude
That I look back
Reflecting on my journey
Now eagerly awaiting to engage
All that has accrued
For it is with the foundation of others
I was able to shore up my reserves
Take on the fight of a lifetime
Joyously breakthrough the finish line
Arms outstretched, in prayerful thanksgiving
To God and all his blessings
And for this, my sun does shine