Gratitude

Blessing Boats

by Lucille Clifton

may the tide
that is entering now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that

Gratitude

As a blessing written in second person voice, this poem situates us, the readers, in good intentions for navigating the winds and waters of life. When someone wishes the best for us, we can feel the stirrings of gratitude. To inspire gratitude by compassion, and to feel gratitude for a caring gesture, is a spiritual transaction that effects a softening of the chasms that often exist between us. Gratitude is a simple and powerful agent of change.

Have you experienced an unforgettable or transformative moment of gratitude?