Love Poem: Gratitude
Ruth Van Alstine Avatar
Written by: Ruth Van Alstine

Gratitude

I thank my parents
for the heart I possess,
that willingness to trust and be open,
belief in the goodness of others.

However sometimes misplaced.

For the powerful demand of
independence in body and soul.
They raised me like that.

An up and down blessing.

For the ingenuity and creativity
that runs in my veins,
the ability to make a needed item 
from whatever lies about.

Essential to survival when times are lean.

My heart swells with gratitude
for all they gave me,
and the loss of them creates a craving
for their companionship once more.

The good and bad of it.

They are gone, have been for a while,
But gratitude and thanks I extend.
They gave me life and a way to live it, 
a precious gift indeed.


Previously Published: Shattered Moonbeams 2016