Held down/Stakes Is High

01.19.21

Gratitude

I am grateful
My hand can still find
the small of your back
that point where the buttocks
join the thighs

I am grateful
for the ringing in my right ear
the throbbing incisions
the routine of pill taking
the scheduling of exams
blood labs
MRI

I am grateful
for the occasional moment of
craving a drink
knowing that
it will pass
that it doesn’t HAVE to be satisfied
due to the work
The work that I have done
The work I have left to do

I am Grateful
for the instinctual memory
of practically every dish
I’ve cooked or eaten

I am grateful
for heritage
and memory
(even as it’s not as good as it used to be)

I am grateful
for this not so new routine.

Just 10 minutes every morning.
10 minutes.

I am Grateful
to have 10 minutes.