Far be it from this poet
To compose a new beatitude
But I think there should be one
On the rich rewards of gratitude
Of all the thoughts I’ve ever had
Bizarre, profound, or fateful
This one is the clearest
“Blessed are the grateful”
They come to you with joyfulness
Perhaps their way of showing
They possess the kind of insight
Which surpasses any knowing
They see the smallest smile
As the pinnacle of pleasure
And the merest satisfaction
As a gift beyond all measure
Recall now for a moment
And keep it in your mind
The way you feel when witnessing
A person being kind
If you’re the beneficiary
Or even if you’re not
It makes you feel that kindness
Could be worth another shot
With every inhalation
From creation unto death
We ought to give acknowledgement
For each and every breath
For our mothers and our fathers
For our sisters and our brothers
For our allies and our enemies
(Have I left out any others?)
For those that I remember
And names that I forget
For the friends I’ve made through radio
And those I’ve never met
For the prayers around the table
When everybody’s seated
For the clash of two great football teams
At present, undefeated
And though he was reluctant
To explain the bees and birds
Thanks to my dad, Louie
For his gift—the love of words
My poem is almost over
And I’ve yet to make a start
So, thank you, simply thank you
From the bottom of my heart
