grateful morning

nearly all my life

 have awakened happy

my years of questioning

the attributes of God

have turned into a lifetime

of recognizing i – and no one –

is large enough to state

an absolute definition

but those years of questioning

the existence of God

were always dissolved

by realizing i would have no one

to thank for morning

whispered thanks

another gray day but clear

so i can see across the valley

to portland’s west hills

and hints among the clouds beyond

of cascade mountain snow peaks

i whisper thanks to my earl

for his generosity and caring

in building our home

on this stubborn foothill

in fulfillment of my wanting

to watch each morning’s sunrise

kitchen on Give Thanks morning

the oven is on low

sweet potatoes, yellow and orange

baking in brown sugar butter

aroma just emerging into the kitchen

anticipating Thanksgiving

smell of the warmth of joy

how do i answer?

 blue-purple larkspur and asters surround a vibrant sunflower

and yellow, gold and auburn roses, lilies and daisy wanna-be’s

bouquets in clear glass and handmade cream-white and blue pottery vases

preen beside the drawstring bag of earl gray tea

my heart sings with their proof of ‘i love you, mom’

my tears of undeserved joy

                                    mjNordgren  9/11/2022  N