I awoke this morning in a familiar state
My bones were aching and I didn't feel great.
I was a bit dizzy and well rested? not quite.
I searched for my glasses to help with my sight
Finding my will and resolve, I finally arose
to stings in my ankles and pains in my toes
I heard once that standing is half of the battle
"Someone younger than I, with such happy prattle."
But arise I did, simply because I could
Finding a bit later I felt kind of good.
Thank thee, oh Lord, for the ability to stand.
Feeling a twinge of incipient hunger,
I put on my clothes and downstairs I did wander
A glassful of water and a palmful of pills
cholesterol and sugar and blood pressure, my ills.
"With all this roughage, I don't need any fibre."
"I just hope all this crap doesn't trash my liver."
Looking in the fridge my hunger to appease
a bounty I saw, more than enough to please
Meat and yogurt, eggs and milk
Bagels and cream cheese and all such ilk.
My wife was already there, a most welcome sight,
a smile and a greeting to set the day right.
Thank thee, oh Lord, for your provision
Our repast finished, it's off to my work,
breathing a prayer to take on no hurt
to myself or another as I fulfill my task.
"Another day of safety, Lord, that's all that I ask."
The hours fly by and the day is done.
I'd hoped to be finished, have some time for some fun.
The work isn't done and I start on the night,
my bones are weary and blurred is my sight
Still, somehow, I do what I must,
with all of my will, and my strength, and my trust
Thank thee, oh Lord, for the privilege of work
I return to my home, my people, my place
and see in the mirror the lines on my face
and think of the years and the things that have passed
things that, in my foolishness, I once thought would last.
I think of the people I've known who have gone
and the days I've been granted, the count growing long
and how on this day I have time to reflect
on the blessings I've been given, and memories collect.
A chance to express gratitude for the bounty I'm living,
and breath a quiet prayer, a sincere thanks giving.
Thank thee, oh Lord, for this Thanksgiving