Thanksgiving Gratitude: Ode to a Perfect Day #2

Esperanza, adopted at Pasado's Safe Haven

A body of compassionate people wake to the scent of violence and death,
embrace one another and say, "We are the cure for murder." Our bodies connect
in mindfulness and taste nutmeats and coconut cream and rush to awareness
of each living being's own desire to walk and be. "I love. You love. We love."
Humanity regains strength refreshed by dreams and sleep.
After years apart, she wakes beside her husband playfulness and faith restored.

Every day, she spends inside, waits for something to happen.
At night, the leash comes out and she walks out into a fearful world.
Her mind wakes. Every sense startles: to passersby, fallen leaves, wind, possibilities swirl.
Danger waits. Every drifter chases. They seek to assault her, know her.
When she has spent so much time alone, it threatens.
Yet, she loves the night air and eases her head willingly forward to go into the chain outside.

People play in the park beside the water, a green utopia where cares go free.
Children climb rope ladders. Teenagers dodge ocean waves. Couples walk hand and hand
into the surf. On an overcast day, on a bright one, everyone comes to this oasis.
Humanity looks up from its devices and stares into the sea, into the sun.
They quote Rachel Carson, Walt Whitman, Wayne Pacelle.
People create utopic oases in time where they come together and connect.

She creates utopian menus and lists the ingredients for a perfect start.
People pour over them — savory and sweet — each dish so like themselves.
Only one may be chosen in time, but all promise delight.
The girl was once used for her parts, made to breed. She had a litter or two.
She miscarried, once, twice, becoming useless to the backyard breeder.
She was crated, imprisoned, strayed: awaiting rescue — to go out into love. 

Who wants to bring offspring into this cruel world? Many are forced.
Some lead a life that allows them to drink in the Golden Sunshine,
walk beside the river, sample a dozen ciders. Some sip beet and carrot juice.
Others lay in lean-tos on the wet sidewalk too despondent to move.
Given energy, they could assault the revelers and take what they are owed.

But life sits heavy upon the homeless, calloused skin, and no one give thanks.

Esperanza at Pasado's Safe Haven.

Every day she spends inside, waits for something to happen.
Her tail a twitch, her jaws stretch wide, fangs bared, as she watches the wind.
She stalks curled leaves and small birds hop in her eyes unaware seeking seeds.
At the end of the day, she's a languid pond asleep in discovery.
Come cities and listen to the lessons of Utah and build your people homes.
People don't live well in dark wind and rain. Bodies must be brought out into light.

Give everyone rights to health and happiness. Everyone. Someone.
Dogs, pigs, cows, cats all live lives of intrigue filled with senses.
Compassionate people come walk hand in hand until a feeling of bliss surfaces.
Go to the lake and be satisfied with bellies full of roast vegetables.
Watch the sunset and everyone walking. Return home and rest in languid ponds.
O, living, named, pardoned, celebrated turkey, hope moves in your purring body.

What is this? A New Thanksgiving Tradition: Posting Gratitude Poems