gratitude

I read Dear Abby nearly everyday
It offers some condolence to my heart
After the horrors of the front page
Reminds me of the small tangible tragedies
That my mind can manage
I don’t understand plane crashes and wars
I do understand broken hearts

I feel guilty when I don’t read the paper
Dreaming a life of ease and safety
Not that this town is without tragedy
(they have finally arrested young Brooke’s killer)
But our tragedy’s are of the expected kind
And we spend our long summer evenings
Watering the flower beds and chatting with neighbors

That reminds me, I need to go turn on the
Garden water before the heat of the day
Make instant oatmeal before taking my sons
To sports camp and oceanography lab
Take the dog for a walk and wash the dishes, begin my day
When I read the papers, front page disasters or Dear Abby heartbreak,
I am filled with gratitude for my simple life