In a world tattered and torn,
a world battered and worn;
In a world of sorrow and pain,
a world of horror and shame;
In a world where I weep for the evil we do,
a world where I grieve for what sisters and brothers endure;
In such a world,
I give thanks.
In this world,
I give thanks
for hope and faith
for love and grace.
In my world,
I give thanks
for tender mercies and boundless joy,
courage unexpected and strength unforeseen.
In our world,
I give thanks
for a baby’s first cry
and a parent’s first smile.
I give thanks
for life.
23 January 2014
New York, New York
For
Joann, Mike, and Austin
Roja, Joel, and their newborn daughter whose name I will list as soon as they tell me
And all new parents and babies
Along the Graybeard Trail 