in her eyes
surely You saw too
the love and grief
commingled
the tears
mourning the past
the weary smile
loving the present

it’s bittersweet
this bit about giving thanks
although we have long
lists of blessings
equally long
are our lists of
grievances
not because
we are not grateful
but because we have lived

and can we live
without tears and loss
have we lived fully if we fail
to recognize this world’s
shortcomings
can we give thanks
while averting our eyes
from the wants and withouts
of each day, each relationship
the brokenness
the injustice
the death
the insult to dignity
the active undermining
of wellness and equality

so thanks, God, but
if I may echo
my grandmother’s
tears: this world of yours
is a few too many heartaches
for these ashes and dust

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