Gratitude for the plain
the unwrapped
the gift that gives itself away
the desert varnish that took centuries to stain stone
the path that leads nowhere but follows the hint of tracks
wild critters
Gratitude for snowshoeing in spring storms
the wind’s breath
glint of first sun’s thousand crystal gems
on the snow’s alabaster skin
Gratitude for the overcrowded boats that don’t sink
peaceful demonstrators not shot in the back
neighbor’s homes unburned
bodies not lying in the street
Gratitude for politicians who tell the truth
reporters who uncover lies
news that feeds our hearts
informs & educates our minds
Gratitude for the children who don’t go missing
who don’t get shot
for coaches who inspire
who don’t abuse the trust of innocents
Gratitude for the churn of every day
the surprise of the sudden
unexpected changes
engines turning over
shovels turning under
sweet cream turning into butter
Gratitude for the rumpled
the unironed
the beds unmade
the geography of wrinkles on an elder’s face
their tattoos of place
Gratitude for the simple
the unheralded
for thankless random acts of kindness
unnoticed unreported
for dreams that wake us
into the priceless windfall of this
another day
