GRATITUDE

 

When life beats down on you,

Seemingly relentlessly,

When you no longer know what to do

Not to wallow in self-pity

Take a deep breath and pause!

 

Resist the urge to curl within

And to slam shut your heart’s shutters.

Even though it is tempting

You wouldn’t feel any better.

 

Summon the help of Gratitude.

She will rush to your rescue

And, with her upbeat attitude,

Will put an end to your curfew.

 

Her foot she will deftly stick

In the doorjamb of your heart.

The gush of wind of her spirit

Will burst it open with all its might.

 

All stale feelings of depression

Will be instantly blown away

When you give her your permission

And no longer stand in her way.

 

She is the full-fledged antidote

To all negative emotions.

She always rises to the top.

Yes, she IS the solution.

 

You cannot dilute her essence

In the dark waters of despair.

Through her bubbling effervescence

Your state of mind, she will repair.

 

Whatever your life challenges,

Sprinkle them with Gratitude.

This is your soul’s best defense:

An attitude of Gratitude!

 

Anyas Spencer, Medford, Oregon, May 24, 2015