Gratitude, it happens,

needs less room to grow

than one might think—

is able to find purchase

on even the slenderest

of ledges, is able

to seed itself

in even the poorest of soils.

Just today, I marveled

as a small gratitude

took root

in the desert of me—

like a juniper tree

growing out of red rock.

If I hadn’t felt it myself,

I might not

have believed it—

but it’s true,

one small thankfulness

can slip into an arid despair

and with it comes

a change in the inner landscape,

the scent of evergreen.

— Opening poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, chosen and read by Nancy L.

Walking in gratitude 

A creature passed this way
through a muddy place
leaving only footprints.

I think maybe a raccoon;
I hope we see him.
He probably sees us
walking the labyrinth 
among the cypress trees.

Our footprints gather along the path 
marking our time here:
passing though.
The scent of giant magnolias
mixes with the scent of the marsh. 

A heron flys over.
The iris have yet to bloom but I see
their blue promise tightly furled. 

I find the end of the labyrinth.
I stand, watch the sparkle of the water,
listen to the conversations of the birds—
grateful.

—- Photos and poem by Sarah Chaffee Paris 

---

Sheltering under the southern variety pine tree,

its boughs gently caress my shoulders as the 

winds of the Gardens lead me inward.

—————–

The various audible birds surround me,

many heard but most unseen.

They too are taking refuge in the swirling winds 

and darkening skies of this cloudy morning.

————–

Now, looking outward into the marsh,

I learn from them through the secrets they too withhold. 

Aren’t we all seeking serenity

 amongst the aging rice fields and beyond?

—————

Gratitude arises as a single orange breasted tiny bird

arrives a few feet from my private bench.  

We are both perched in our unique ways 

as we share glances into nature’s place of feasting.

—————

I ponder and wonder if my aviary friend is sheltering like me?

I sense that even Mother Nature resettles and shifts to keep in balance.

Her ways flow into seasons and I sense mine do too. 

————–

Witnessing and partaking in the warmth of this moment 

a comforting exchange begins.  I too, feel sheltered.

I am lifted and re-centered realizing the gift of today’s encounter.

—————-

Gratitude now flows inward and in this oasis of sorts 

I stumbled into shelter and release.

 Perhaps these two actions go together with another.

(Ahhh, a writing prompt for another day’s reflection!)

—————

This unique connection between me and this simple bird,

serves to remind me of the necessity of my own harbor, 

laying an anchor weighted with comfort and peace.

— Poem by Sue GP

— Photos by Nancy L.