I Am Thankful For

by Nancy J Carmody

I am thankful for

…the mess to clean up after a party, 

because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

…the taxes that I pay, 

because it means that I’m employed.

…the clothes that fit a little too snug,

because it means I have enough to eat.

…my shadow who watches me work,

because it means I am out in the sunshine.

…the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot,

because it means I am capable of walking.

…all the complaining I hear about our Government, 

because it means we have freedom of speech. 

…that lady behind me in church who sings off-key, 

because it means I can hear her.

…lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, 

because it means I have a home.

…my huge heating bill,

because it means I am warm.

…weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, 

because it means I have been productive.

…the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours,

because it means that I am alive.