We gather together. We close our eyes, unlearning the darkness.
We are listening to what happens. When we don’t interfere, when we let go, unbe, untry. When we release our expectations.
We hold everything as if it weighed nothing, as if it could fit into anything at all.
What we are. Not what we think. Not what we want. Not what we fear.
The stillness of grace,
carried by stars on the wings
of birds. We listen.
For a trio of prompts–Frank asked for thoughts about Thanksgiving in his #haikai challenge this week, and for thoughts about gratitude in his haibun prompt for dVerse. Colleen in her #TankaTuesday prompt also referred to the theme of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving at my grandparents’ was loud and chaotic–numerous adults and sometimes 11 children vying for attention.
But we never ate any meal at their house without first becoming quiet and giving thanks. It’s a ritual that perhaps deserves a revival.
K. 
What a great poem, Kerfe.
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Thanks Robbie. It comes from good memories.
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Hush, quiet is a rarity.
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It is. I only realize now why my grandfather, a man of few words, always rested us in quiet before he began his short blessing.
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Very wise. Silence is something modern people seem to be afraid of.
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Reblogged this on Frank J. Tassone and commented:
#Haiku Happenings #1 (11/26/19): K’s latest #haibun for #dversepoets #haibunmonday and my own current #haikai challenge!
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Thanks Frank.
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A beautiful meditation on how to become grateful! Bravo’
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Thanks for the inspiration!
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I agree it should be revived. Lovely haibun and haiku
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Thank you.
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A true meditation on gratitude and just living in the season’s moment, Kerfe. I love your words on so many levels. Your image speaks of the ancestors, and I detect the bones of the past. It’s like a Rorschach test, they leap out at me. ❤
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Thanks Colleen. I haven’t thought of those family gatherings in a long time, and I see them with new eyes after all these years.
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I know what you mean. ❤️
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This is a wonderful way to reach a state to appreciate life as it is.
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Thanks Bjorn.
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What a beautiful poem, Kerfe. So expansive. And your memories of Thanksgiving at your grandparents are just what the holiday should be (in my mind) – a quiet reflection on the gifts of life and a chaotic and joyous celebration of love. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Thanks Diana. Hope you had a good holiday!
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I love the peace I feel from this. I also like the chaos. Family gets like that at times, right. A good write:)
Pat
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Thanks Pat. Hopefully we manage to find those peaceful places amidst the chaos.
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Kerfe, this is a Psalm of Life. I could see this becoming a daily prayer. I like the colors in your collage. It looks like a skull with a halo over it.
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Thanks Jade. I’ve been thinking about those quiet spaces we so seldom make in our lives.
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You’re welcome.
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Lovely haiku, Kerfe! 💗
When we were younger and gathered together with family, we each said something we were thankful for before we ate dinner. I agree with you, it is good to give thanks – especially now in such a busy world! 😊
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It us…we shouldn’t lose those traditions.
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