Poetry: Inheritance

During the last few years, I've been writing a poem each day and posting it on Facebook. Most of my poems are celebrations of natural beauty; a few are ethical/political commentaries with some bite.

You can see more poems by visiting my new Facebook page.

I also have a published book of poetry out now. Inquire at revted9@gmail.com

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Inheritance

©2023 Rev. Ted Tollefson

We sip yesterday's tea
before sunrise
just to say thanks
to all those whose gifts we inherited

The list is long
and grows longer when we remember
how my wife's hair comes from her mother
and her hands from her father
and a certain itch to do things Right.
I inherited my mom's hair thankfully
and do my best to channel
my dad's tireless gregariousness---
from both, I glean a certain pull towards Joy.

Our families are large
and grow larger through gratitude
and if a gift skipped us
it will sometimes reappear in the face
of a niece or nephew
or even a stranger
we are lucky enough to meet

Everything depends upon
gratitude going back
and generosity going forward:
Better empty pockets and full hearts
than vice versa.