Three Gratitudes

Every night before I go to sleep
I say out loud
Three things that I am grateful for,
All the significant, insignificant
Extraordinary, ordinary stuff of my life.
It's a small practice and humble,
And yet, I find I sleep better
Holding what lightens and softens my life
Ever so briefly at the end of the day.
Sunlight and blueberries,
Good dogs and wool socks,
A fine rain,
A good friend
Fresh basil and wild phlox,
My father's good health,
My daughter's new job,
The song that always makes me cry,
Always at the same part,
No matter how many times I hear it....

And after three things,
More often than not,
I get on a roll and just keep on going,
I keep naming and listing.

Until I lie grinning,
Blankets pulled up to my chin,
Awash with wonder
At the sweetness of it all.

--Carrie Newcomer