Gratitude as a Way of Being

A December Prayer

For winter 
That takes us inward 
For the starless dark 
For the freezing ice 
And bracing wind and bitter cold 
That force us to look down
For snow-covered streets made passable
Treacherous sidewalks suddenly clear
For the endless gray months
For the long-awaited moment spring appears
For the delicate shoots and promising buds
Vibrant green emerging
New life peeping out
For the languid summer that unfolds
In its own sweet time
For the scorching heat that bears down
For the bougainvillea that bloom
With their intoxicating honey smell
For the cool mint and tart lemon 
that refresh us on a hot day
For the vast ocean and golden sand 
For the shimmering clear pools 
Of sparkling water that provide respite
From the beating sun 
And heavy humidity
For towering sunflowers 
And tall, rustling corn
Azure sky that reminds us 
Of endless possibilities
For the leaves that turn 
To crimson and burnt brown 
For cool crisp nights
And brisk breezes
For the ever-turning wheel
For one more chance
To stumble
On the uneven cobblestone streets 
For the dusty dirt paths
The gravel roads
That lead us home
Back to the good 
We could not see
For genuine kindness
For winter that takes us
Inward

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