Being Grateful is the Key

Being grateful is the key,

I truly believe so.

I do not want to take for granted,

the blessings that I have.

That I have a body

which works without complain,

that I get to paint for hours,

that I could go for walks in the fresh air,

watched bees, birds and blossoms,

smelled star jasmines, soaked sunlight

foraged kumquats and feijoa petals.

I am thankful for the daisy, geranium,

hollyhock, coreopsis, nasturtium

that bloomed in my garden.

I cherished the palo verde flowers of neighbors

that floated onto our driveway,

the presence of a loving family

that offers emotional support,

and reason of being.

Each of these is a quiet blessing,

one I hold close with gratitude.