Grateful

As we gather our harvest
Of love and of life
As we lay out the plates
And sharpen our knife

We make memories and smells
That comfort our bones
We offer our arms
Our food and our homes

Our own celebration
To remember what matters
To share all life’s gifts
With hugs and on platters

And once bellies bulge
And eyes seek to rest
We feel the true meaning
Of what makes this day best

Love shared by a family
The ones you’ve selected
Regardless of the sustenance
It’s gratitude perfected

Bad Jokes

Why does one get so defensive
when they are told they've been offensive
this reaction leaves me pensive
I have felt it too

It could be they just didn't know it
Lest they'd be afraid to show it
Fearing they would likely blow it
what is one to do

Some don't feel that it is wrong
If you don't like it move along
You hate my joke then bang a gong
Why are you so serious

If one you love or like at all
looks at you as if appalled
or maybe just their posture falls
It isn't so mysterious

So choose your words just like your friends
For they can help you in the end
When you mess up then make amends
perhaps they'll understand

You cannot know all that they've seen
Few folks have spent each day serene
Many more see hate obscene
so help them if you can

Son(s)

Fresh and clean
smooth and soft
murmuring
eyes aloft
A shine emits
from his new born soul
A story starts
his tale unfolds
Spectating joy
with endless wonder
his tiny spell
I've fallen under
and all my wishes
are now devoted
what once was dreams
has been promoted