Breathe

Dedicated to my dear friend Kami, who is more mindful than ever that life is precious.

Today, as every day,I was given a gift,

But barely noticed as I 

thoughtlessly, pauselessly snatched it

and took it as something  common

instead of the miracle it was.

I did not recognize it- familiarity had bred contempt.

This gift, wrapped in the beauty of the new day,

got overlooked and was unattended by thanks

As I filled those waking moments with thoughts of things to do-

the hustle and bustle, the hurry and flurry that would surely come,

So that I did not savor that first conscious breath.

Yet breathe I did.

Why does my gift-giver remain faithful when I am so ungrateful?

Why so generous when daily His gift is slighted?

But I see now and regret the thankless, breath-filled days

Breathing in and breathing out

Breathing in and breathing out

Breathing in and breathing out

And I resolve that I will, at least for those dewy waking moments ,

Offer with my first breath a prayer of thanks.

copyright Jane Grant-Abban May 2009