a meditation

Today I give thanks
for every life that has touched my own
for each molecule, atom, particle and wave
as it has moved through me.

I give thanks
that he said
"You look like hell" and
"You surprised me... I never thought you'd amount to much."
that she said
"Go on, write."

I thank tears, paper and flame
the small warm hand in my own
the arms that held me
the vastness behind those questioning eyes

Croonings and shrieks of unseen birds
the wounded and the whole

Mosquitoes and bats, seeds and finches
the mouse I released into the yard this morning
the cat that had left it corralled in a box

The stone in my shoe
the bone in my foot
the juice of strawberries
staining my chin