It is a time for long and thorough reflection
Of the gifts comprising my endless collection
I see value in the things that go most unnoticed
Like the presence of all the people I hold closest
Such things are bestowed not faintly or lightly
These are things we should hold onto most tightly
We must recognize the treasures we are freely given
That they may all be passed along as if in tradition
So I take this time to show my undying gratitude
For the hardships that have assembled my attitude
Every step that I have taken and steadfastly earned
Taught me lessons I otherwise couldn’t have learned
I have been cracked with life’s whip and felt its cold sting
Been witness to atrocities and the suffering they bring
Survived all these misfortunes of coincidence and fate
I wound up right here not a minute too soon or too late
I have battled many a demon from so far down below
Unaware until now that you reap exactly what you sow
I have seen the bloodshed and draw only one conclusion
Inner peace arrives via brutal battles in wars of attrition
Know that I am ever thankful for the absolute darkness
That allows a solitary ray of light to shine its brightest
JMC813 