Mixed Blessings

Thanksgiving Day, 2010

The turkey’s in the oven. My bare feet
rest on the windowsill. A welcome breeze
wafts past ten gnarled toes, a late fall treat.
The forecast says tonight it’s going to freeze.

A new computer sits with darkened screen,
with bells and whistles I don’t want or need,
while I fire up the five-year-old machine
that suits my comfort zone (except for speed).

Two years ago our son lay gravely ill.
We spent Thanksgiving day in ICU.
They say adversity that doesn’t kill?
you makes you stronger. I can prove it’s true.

My cup’s half full; I haven’t drained it yet.
Mixed blessings are the only kind you get.