I am fortunate that in everything I do, there are people behind me offering a hand. When I was cranky and sick this weekend, Jeff took the girls out so I could curl up in a blanket and cough in peace. When I painted the living room, kitchen and dining room in the past few weeks, my mom stepped in to take care of the two-year-old so I could complete the work without chaos. Around the house, my six-year-old daughter steps up more and more to bring me things, work the VCR, prepare meals, take care of her younger sister. We escaped the derecho and Hurricane Sandy unscathed; my new book is selling (thanks, Mom!); and I’ve connected with many writers this year who have made me feel less odd to be pursuing the art of poetry in a modern world. In well-being, that must put me in the top one percent, and for that I’m grateful.

E.E. Cummings puts all this into verse beautifully:

i thank You God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes

Happy Thanksgiving!