Gratitude appeared

My Hometown Poem

Photo credit Suzanna de Baca

While on the morning path 
Head down
Troubled about 
To do Not done
Too much Too Little
Too Late
All the mistakes I have made
Piling up in a twisted heap
Suddenly 
Gratitude appeared.

There it was
Vivid against a clear blue sky.
A Star Flower
Facing north
High above on a utility pole
In plain daylight.
A giant red blossom with gently curving petals
A green stem with two small jutting leaves
Surrounded in white
Studded with lights
Not yet illuminated.
A small town decoration
A reminder 
Of blessings.
Gratitude appeared.

The star is a beacon
Of hope, a shining light
That guides the way.
The flower a symbol of joy.
The night sky and the ground meet
Between them
With a magical and inspiring presence.
Give thanks for the stars
For the flowers
For the trees and hills
For loving hands
For loving hearts 
For forgiveness. 

Gratitude appeared 
And showed me
The to do will get done
Too much is enough 
Too little, adequate. 
The mistakes human,
All lessons to learn.
Give thanks
For what is
What was
What is to come.

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Suzanna de Baca Dispatches from the Heartland, Huxley

Debra Engle: A Whole New World, Madison County

Julie Gammack: Julie Gammack’s Iowa Potluck, Des Moines and Okoboji

Jody Gifford: Benign Inspiration, West Des Moines

Beth Hoffman: In the Dirt, Lovilla

Dana James: New Black Iowa, Des Moines

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Chuck Offenburger: Iowa Boy Chuck Offenburger, Jefferson and Des Moines

Barry Piatt: Behind the Curtain, Washington, D.C.

Mary Swander: Mary Swander’s Buggy Land, Kalona

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