I am thankful for Lucille a woman in her eighties
beautiful still who yesterday suggested Bitch as a writing prompt
at the Cairo Public Library and then everyone who
immediately began writing furiously (I’ll use her prompt again.)
I am thankful for being able to make brownies this morning
with Ahava and then for Ahava and her friend Laya
eating so many brownies they said they didn’t need turkey.
I am thankful for Khanyi who used Lucille’s prompt to name
her three Thanksgiving drinks (all excellent)
that she will serve tonight.
I am thankful for yesterday’s just verdict
in Brunswick Georgia for the murder of Ahmad Arbery.
I am thankful for Noah and Chesray making
a beautiful dinner this year (he’s frying turkey)
and for friends who will join us for dinner
and for more who will come for dessert (three brownies left)
and I am thankful every single day
for all of you willing to read all these poems.
I am thankful for you Esther and your delicious and sometimes hysterical poems that are always grounded in love and vision of a big big world that we all share.
And we're thankful to you, Esther. (I bet even the brownie crumbs will be delicious.)