Gratitude

ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od

noun – the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

i traded these chains

i traded these chains 
for a walking stick and a 
pocket full of sand

i live every day
as if i will not be blessed
with another one

i contemplate the
marvel of existence and
rejoice that i can

it is my privilege 
to manifest the person
i was meant to be

when the sun rises
it ceases to be just one
of a billion stars

i am dispossessed
in order to make room for
the gift of myself

thank you is the most
important phrase to master
in any language

i opened my eyes
and atop this barricade
saw lights for my way

clearly more here than
lumpia and master chief
petty officers

without gratitude
this awful experience
cannot be a gift