-- Gratefulness -–

John Herlihy

I see gratitude as the pillow upon which I rest my head;

No gratitude at end of day leaves me thankless instead.

When I lay myself down in the dead of the midnight hour;

I give thanks to the Lord for the provisions in His power.

We learn from the infant the true meaning of gratitude;

In the simplicity of its smile, not a single iota of servitude.

It goes about the business of day without a word of thanks;

The baby’s body language speaks for itself, even its pranks.

A grateful mind realizes that it owes something in return;

Always owing, nothing owned, no payment ever spurned.

Indebted to those close, indebted to the world and to life;

I speak no pretty words, but my heart with gratitude rife.

What is the gift of life if the heart can be but thankless?

May neither the day nor night pass without gratefulness.

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(c) John Herlihy 21 November 2019