GRATEFUL TODAY

Grateful for the breath
that sustains me
for friends and good food
for smiles and old songs
that remind me of 
first kisses and slow
dances on gym floors
for spades and trash 
talking and friends
you can lean on while
you laugh
or memories
that come in these
moments that are filled
with people who no longer
populate my life
but certainly my
heart
grateful for the
smell of cologne
and the musk of sweat
conversations that
continue well
into the next song
and dish washing
while people wobble
or slide and paying
attention to the details
that often get missed
I am grateful
for community
and the assurance
that we are not 
alone.

Valerie Bridgeman
© August 31, 2013