Fall

For MomWe give thanks to fallWhen summer's warm breeze finishes with a sharp, cold edgeWe give thanks for oranges, yellows, crisp brownsWeathered browns tooAfter all, green is but a state of mindWe relish the crunch of fallen leaves beneath our toesIt's a cool drink of water for our feetWe give thanks for endless views so majesticSurely God painted themSnow on our mountains' peaksSnow in our heartsTrails behindTrails aheadA destination reached? Fallinto a bed of feathers.An old, comfortable book? Fallinto a new chapter and read.We give thanks for a bountiful feastWhen the smell of pumpkins wafting from a kitchen's warmthBlankets us in desire for selfless pursuitsLike service devoted to renewalWe give thanks for the privilege to serve our neighbors in needTo deliver them repast with love and a smileWe give thanks for turkey, yams, stuffing, peas, rolls, gravy, mashed potatoesJovial conversation devoid of politicsMashed potatoes!Contentment in our belliesSustenance in our communityOvens behindLaughter aheadSomeone else in the kitchen doing dishes? Fallinto an afternoon nap.A slice of mincemeat pie? Fallinto a holiday movie and smile.When our sorrows feel too heavy to bearWe give thanks for our memories of seasons pastWe cherish every precious glimpse our minds keep safe in their netsAnd give thanks to watch them dance like butterflies, lighter than airAs a last resort, this is where our loved ones liveThe ones we've lost to the past and the ones we pray are searching for a way homeWe keep our hearts open as we patiently wait to reunite with each and every oneSomedayFor this certitude, we give thanksTenderness in our memoriesYearning in our hopesLove behindLove aheadUnbearable loss? Fallinto warm, treasured reflections.Excruciating regret? Fallinto another day and stand.We give thanks for seasons to comeThe replenishment of next springAnd generations of seasons that are stretching across the horizonTeasing nature's splendor beyond our imaginationWe give thanks for the anticipation in children's eyesAs each day that we inch closer to late DecemberIs a layer of wonder unmaskedWe give thanks for the earth we haveAnd work tirelessly to protect the one they stand to inheritBundles of innocence resting in our lapsTribulation weighing down on our backsPlunder behindResurrection aheadA curious mind to nurture? Fallinto a child's embrace.Hope for a sustainable planet? Fallinto a breath of fresh air and fight.We give thanks for the open roadFort Worth, Kansas City, Estes Park, Medford, SeattleChicago, Detroit, New York City, Asheville, TampaWe give thanks for the gift of flightLondon, Edinburgh, Paris, Rome, BarcelonaCairo, Jerusalem, Beijing, Tokyo, SydneyThe moon, MarsWe give thanks for these vessels, these miracles we call bodiesThrough which we abide our completed and forthcoming thoroughfareTime on our handsWorlds in our sightAccomplishment behindPurpose aheadAn endless map? Fallinto spontaneity and adventure.A new journey? Fallinto walking on air and fly.Forward into fellowship, family, faithTo be somewhere, anywhereWith someone, everyoneWheneverGoneWe give thanksWritten November 2017 in Seattle, Washington