I am grateful for this day
and that I can still see all the beauties around me.
My choice is not to view the disrespectful,
hateful things on television.
I am grateful to have ears that hear all of nature’s sounds,
my friend’s and family’s voices
and the music that I love, so needed for me to hear.
I am grateful for my senses to still be alive and working.
I can smell the rains coming,
the strange smell of moth balls that no one else smells
that remind me of my mother.
Strangely I love the smell of manure
and fresh-cut grains of the fields.
I still can feel, with my hands, the softness of a kitten
or a pup and flower petals all around.
I can still write my thoughts and share with my voice.
I feel pain in my heart when someone is hurt and suffering.
I am grateful for all these things that my creator has given me.

Note: Christina Hazuka is a member of the Albany, NY, Community Outreach Program within the Zaloga Post American Legion