I am not thankful
That I can't return
The kindnesses of
So many;
I am not thankful
That my heart can't hold
Any more than it
Can hold
When I am hugged
By a child;
I am not thankful
That I can't say
Enough loving words
To those I most care for,
And I am not thankful
That I can never give
Enough thanks
To God,
Who has given me
So much.
But I am thankful
That I can at least begin
To show it
With soft words,
With open arms,
And with hands
Held folded before me
In simple, unadorned prayer,
And by then paying it forward
So that the light
That was lit
By so many before me
Is never extinguished
By the ever present threat
Of the evil one's
Darkness.