Hymn of Thanks

Thank you for soggy toast
and creaking floorboards
the broken yolk of the setting sun
wheat burning gold at harvest
cracks in the sidewalk
swooping hummingbirds
and shadows of dancing aspen leaves

Thank you for crushed cornstalks
and blind cocker spaniels
rhythm of patched interstate and tire
the scar on my mother’s chin
beer chilled on the porch
shrilling clarinets
and static on the radio dial

Thank you for splintered wood
and warm crimson blood
stained glass and whispered absolution
dark death’s billowing curtain
yesterday’s twilight
the bread and the wine
and the time silent between heartbeats