Gratitude

what to be grateful for,

when the world is in such a state?

when racism and fascism
raise their ugly heads,

when mosques are desecrated and

swastikas are scrawled 

on Jewish temples,

when a woman is attacked 

for wearing the burka of her beliefs?

what to be grateful for

when hateful words and acts

are flung,

when justice is not served,

when corporate power and 

capitalism run amok,

ravaging the planet?

it gets pretty basic:

eyesight, mobility (of sorts),

poetry, friends,

the fact that there are still
good-hearted people

all over the world 

who will always stand up 

for what is right.

I am grateful for  

the natural world,
and animals,

and their true hearts.

I am grateful for
Lunabella,
child of joy.

Today, I am grateful for the wind,

making the trees dance 

outside my window,

and for the fresh wintery smell outdoors -

the first dusting of snow

on the mountains.
It is Enough.
It is more than
enough -
the gift of Life.

And I am grateful for you, my friends. This community of poets is what keeps me going. I am thinking very much of the events at Standing Rock these days, of the first Thanksgiving, and of how First Nations have suffered ever since. On facebook I have watched some beautiful videos, especially of the women of Standing Rock, who are protecting the water, in prayer, opposing the might of a billion dollar corporation and militarized police, so that life can be better for their grandchildren.

for Elizabeth Crawford's challenge at 1sojournal : What are you thankful for?