You dwell in the breath of gratitude,
every in, every out
an ongoing prayer of thanks.

This is given to you, this thankfulness
for all that you are, all that you have—
the words, the hands of helpers,
seen and unseen,

appreciation of the abundance
that is yours, always,
in the gift of words that come from
a source you can barely divine,
in birds that sing and flowers that bloom,
all without your assistance,

the trees of the forest and the tropics,
sturdy and upright, even when they sway
under wind or fire.

Notice that assistance is there, always,
for you and all beings everywhere
even in darkness, especially in darkness,
aware that light is yours on this,
the shortest day or the longest,
or any in between.

If you make your way to the steps
that appear seemingly unbidden,
allow your feet to find each one, slowly,
then, at the top, take the next step,
illuminated in welcome,

know that grace is yours,
that love is yours,
you who live in praise,
in a perennial state of thanksgiving—

grateful.