BIRTHDAY POEM 2020

This morning’s ritual incense is called “Blessings.”
The wet snow just now falling is like Black Elk’s rain that is a blessing too.
Blessings for having reached this day living long & well.
Blessings of family, friends, lovers, blessings of millions of words.
A blessing each morning, each night’s welcome sleep filled with the blessings of dreams, like movies.
The blessings of my parents & theirs forever in me.
The blessings of the next generations of children & grandchildren going forth with joy & wonder.
The blessings in this room, in this air.
The blessing of this blank space & the blessing itself of these few lines.

(written January 26, 2020)