grateful

My gratefulness
for the kindness of the stranger
that smiles to the child with fever
and protects the elderly,
for the ones that still have
that sweet core,
that years of acid rain
have not destroyed,
for the beauty that pervades the air,
on a cold and windy day,
for all the reasons behind a new beginning,
when it seems like many of them
have all but disappeared,
for the healing,
after every wound,
for the hugs,
like a silver moon,
for your eyes,
even in despair,
for your silky hands,
and for each and every breath
you take.
for the million pieces of
bread on the table,
and the spoonful of soup
that takes away the coldness
of the winter inferno,
for the logs that are shelter
to the ones that love fire,
and  the snow that falls
outside,
if the weather requires it.
I am grateful
to the gods that might be,
and the mortals,
that exist in between.
I am grateful,
come what may,
because above all,
I have loved
and have been loved
in return.