gratitude

looking over the stutters and chaos

i have created over the last

eighteen months, i realize

i have been less mentally sharp

than perhaps at any other time

in my life

and realize, as well, the tremendous

loving support given by my family

that kept me going as well as i could

again, an ambulance

again, the ambulance at the front door

with firemen and paramedics wheeling

a gurney with one of our friends

out for a trip to the hospital

it is so hard to watch, even though

grateful for the prompt and thoughtful

response

we are so vulnerable; it is why we are

in senior living

the close, caring friendships

that develop here are precious

what more can i say?

if wrinkles are interesting

i must be fascinating

if clean bad jokes make you smile

you’ll love conversations with me

if you know deep pain

you’ll find me a listener

find One

the woman with bewildered eyes

the youth with sunken cheeks

the man with angry menace

ready to explode

the wisp of a girl pleading

without a word

each with a story

each longing for recognition

yet inspiring fear

and met with hurried looks away

as though their burdens

are too much for even two to bear

until they have found One

who understands and cares