A Poem of Gratitude

As we approach Thanksgiving Day in the United States, it’s good to remember the blessing of community, and the fact that there is much for which to be thankful even if riches are not ours. This poem helps me to remember that. What makes you feel grateful today? Consider praying that gratitude sometime this week.

Te Deum

Charles Reznikoff1894 – 1976
Not because of victories 
I sing,
having none,
but for the common sunshine,
the breeze,
the largess of the spring.

Not for victory
but for the day’s work done
as well as I was able;
not for a seat upon the dais
but at the common table.

From The Complete Poems of Charles Reznikoff. Copyright © 1976 by Charles Reznikoff. Used by permission of Black Sparrow Press, an imprint of David R. Godine, Publisher, Inc.

 

 

(This was found at the http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/te-deum)