Gratitude

Draft

Gratitude

Momma said, growing up, that we should be grateful
that Mary said yes to the angel, that Jesus died for our sins.
We had a roof over our head, shoes on our feet,
and, unlike starving children in China, had peas to refuse.
It was important that Ronald Regan had been president,
that Pa had the right to keep his rifles in the house.
I find, now, that I am grateful for her weekly phone call,
full of small-town gossip and family news.
Also, for her stuffed chicken recipe and my grandmother’s bread pans.
The soft kiss of summer air on my bare shoulders,
Friends stopping by to help paint the house
or plant the garden. Hot showers and coffee in the morning.
The sun streaming through the east windows, and the loons
announcing the start of a new day.