Litany at Thanksgiving

For gifts of gentle rain, a flaming leaf, a drift of virgin snow.

The awesome majesty in thunderhead clouds, a bank of moss,

For nights illumined by a single star, and high tide running full,

We give thanks.

The crinkled kindness in an oldster's smile, a baby's breath

In nascent dreaming, first kisses, and a first-grader, reading,

Are gifts too we may not pass on such a day. A door bell's welcome

Sound when one is lonely, a lifting of the heart when love comes

Are causes for thanks.

Of life's best things in undreamed bounty are water, air sunshine

And the iridescence of moonlight on the sea. A fertile land

Newly broken, disked and planted, using the miracle of photosynthesis

To bring forth crops and livelihood is in itself a miracle of sorts.

A heap of thanks for these.

The smell of victory at battle's peak, excitement's building

When effort's winnings come tumbling home, a small advance toward

Serenity, a habit broken, a penny saved, a penny earned, a long

Life's trek toward wisdom and a sense of it's coming all together,

Do prompt our thanks.

A time of peace, a long conversation among friends, a chat

With students, a discussion about someone's goals, a safe place

We know as home, cocooned from the raveling points of care,

A certain glory one has felt in the realization he is free.

Our thanks for these.

A silent hush on late Autumn holiday morning, kitchen noises,

The stirrings of a love done, expectation of pumpkin, turkey

And all life's dressing, with giblet gravy yet, do stir our souls

And bring us close and warm together this blessed day.

Let us give thanks!