Post-Thanksgiving Ponderings

Once in a while a man gets blessed by connecting with a dear friend from his past.  Such was the case with this lady who I was so surprised to see  at the IWMA conference several yeares back. We have stayed in touch.  Just after Thanksgiving Day, she sent me some random thoughts and ponderings suggesting there might be a poem in her words.  Here it is.

Post-Thanksgiving Ponderings

Sipping my hot morning brew
Nestled in my upholstered perch
Enjoying nature’s canvas on my pane
Studying my maple by a birch

My old friend the maple is asleep
Half-dozen leaves still faking life
Not the recent, vibrant image
A victim to coming winter strife

My twisty mind descends to think
It’s a sign of the progressive death
All we creatures know too well
Pondering someday’s last breath

There’s a call to lighten my load
Rid my personal world of clutter
So my kids won’t have to deal with
What I once held bread and butter

Treasures I’ve proud collected
Evidence of my life’s toil and gain
Once so highly held and valued
Some days now seen near disdain

Those doggone trees outside
That once brought peace and shade
Today make me ponder on
My own coming-end delayed

Maybe it’s just the cycle of life
That should be happy-uplifting
New leaves have always appeared
Spring has always come a’gifting

Such are the mindful wanderings
Of this post-Thanksgiving morn
As I thank God for another day
Even when finding it a bit forlorn

Grateful for my family’s love
Even though my life’s love is gone
I will trust God’s working His plan
His Grace what I can count on

I might see another Thanksgiving Day
Lord willing and the creek don’t rise
But I’ll make myself content recalling
Thanksgivings I won’t downsize

by Rik Goodell
© 2024 All rights reserved

This colorful painting is by Esmeralda. 

For more of this artist's work, go to her website:

https://www.artsyesme.com/