How do you know the locks to pick, the clasps to open, the words that break such silences -- you forever unshackle my expressions, leaving emotions so unbelievably exposed, naked before your loving eyes.

I’m thankful for this past year,
It taught me to calm down;
Loosen up a bit.

I’m thankful for those that hurt me,
You taught me forgiveness,
And gave me a wake-up call.

I’m thankful for my ability to change;
To become more social.
Otherwise life would have been hell.

I’m thankful for the life I’ve lived,
The progress I’ve made,
And the luck I have had.

If I had brushes and a canvas
I'd paint it

a gathering
soiree or better yet

a ticker tape
parade

a celebration
of one's life well lived

and deserving of such
reverie

whit howland © 2020

The gray sky
and minimal sunlight

coupled
with the hard earth

seems so small
in Winter

and it makes me feel
so alone

almost like I'm trapped inside
of myself

whit howland © 2020