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

Rest Assured

I sat upon the bench last night
And watched
My fingers speed across the keys
I thought to myself how can this be?
I practice with such ease

And then a smile came across my face
I knew just then the source
You worked at this and kept the faith
It’s your refuge, your life force

Listen to your heart, that’s where I’ll be
Nurturing you onward, helping you see
You’re never alone
As quiet as it may seem
My love for you runs deep
Without measure, nor degree

I’ve been there when you’ve wept
Uncertain where to go
And walked with you to see you through
When shadows obscured your view
But days are brighter now
Vision, clarity, too
The future is a blank canvas
Let your spirit guide the way