An Inventory

 

One humanity, longing for peace but

at war with itself and each other.

One world, Mother Earth bursting

into spring: blossoms, baby animals -

and Hope.

The blue sky above after days of rain,

a few clouds scattered like sheep's wool

after a day of shearing.

The beach with its long strip of sand,

its joyful dogs, its waves, subdued

after the storm's passing.

One heart, as tired as it has ever been,

but still and always Looking Up.

The neighbour dog I rarely get to see;

we long for each other, but his owner

is not kind.

Downton Abbey, which I turn to

for escape from the daily news.

The eyes of Ukraine prisoners of war,

knowing they are being held

by a brutal regime to whom their lives

mean nothing.

Grief: we are not being
all we are meant to be.
Earth grief: heart breaking
at all the ways we have failed.

But let me count the joys: a sweet village

full of friendly folk; my heart, still

beating, keeping me this side of earth;

friends, with whom to share the perils

of our human birth; poems,

to mark the days, the months, the years.

They chart the journey made

and the price I paid.

This poem has come to say
thank you for the
blessing of having a grateful heart,

that recognizes all the gifts
I have been given

along the way.

Inspired by Wild Writing's Jen Lee and her poem Inventory.