Gratitude

Of all the things we daily do, it seems

We take for granted little miracles:

Poppies. Raindrops. Hummingbirds. Dogs. The dreams

We dream. The random tiny lyrical

Moments that come and go, that bring us joy

When least expected. How can we slow down

The pace of the life we live? We employ

A handful of tricks and treasures which, known

To us when, in desperate need, we dig deep

Into reserves of untapped strength to find

A smile, a nod, a pleasure, so we weep,

As emotion gives us time to unwind.

I can control, direct my attitude.

And I can fill my days with gratitude.

Courageous

In a distant land a tyrant brings storm

And destruction to a good people whose pride

Exceeds all the madman can bring. While torn

To bits by fire from above, they won’t hide

In fear, but rather stand up, take the fight

To the aggressor. The bully can’t bring

Enough heat to make them tremble. Their plight

Has gained our rapt attention as they cling,

Courageous and determined, to the ledge

Of survival, never once looking down

Into the abyss of failure. Their pledge

To the generations future and past

Is to hold dear a freedom that will last.