just a morsel, Lord,
that's all i ask:
a taste of the enthusiasm
the dog displays
as she greets her friend,
the sun,

or even a pinch, Lord:
of the incredible patience
the cat has
as he watches the birds
from the safety of his indoor perch,
the tail moving gracefully
back and forth,
back and forth,
serenity in motion;

how about a dash, Lord,
a dash of the energy
the kids have as they wait
on the corner for the bus:
chattering like magpies,
dancing like fireflies,
laughing away the sleep in their eyes.

That's all i want, Lord,
as i begin another day;

but i will settle
for that smidgen of grace
which will sustain me
in the hours that await.
Amen.

(c) 2005 Thom M. Shuman