Gratitude is my mood…
If anything I’ve learned from travel it is that we are all family in some way
sucked down by gravity to walk this land
And on Thanksgiving 2010 with you, my brothers and sisters
gratitude is my mood
when you glow as you write and wrestle and wrestle and write with your journey, Amanda,
you alight inspiration
and gratitude is my mood
when you dance and dance then sit for hours discovering deep friendship with your own soul, Andi,
you alight peace
and gratitude is my mood
when you turn over and over the secrets of all spiritual paths with wonder and curiosity, Dylan,
you alight wisdom
and gratitude is my mood
when you open your heart again and again to connecting, laughter-filled, explorative conversation, Eli,
you alight true friendship
and gratitude is my mood
when you subtly yet powerfully and thoughtfully carry great care and concern on your shoulders for this family, Jefe,
you alight integrity and beauty of character
and gratitude is my mood
when you assert your goddess power- in observant eyes, strong voice and kind smile, Nelle,
you alight meaning of true leadership
and gratitude is my mood
when you extend your warm soul to encompass in love and mystery and music those in your sphere, Nico,
you alight transformation
and gratitude is my mood
when you happily transport your sitar across Northern India and mesmerize yourself with thanka, Trevor,
you alight discovery and growth
and gratitude is my mood
when you kindle lights of humanity with every being you meet with your welcoming smile, Tiana,
you alight hope
and gratitude is my mood
when I lay my head down each night in utter exhaustion
having bathed in new waters
explored rainbows of tastes
gained friendships
ignited more questions
discovered a new nugget of inner and outer mystery
and melted with another sunset, Mother India,
you alight life
and gratitude is my mood
for Carpe Diem India Fall 2010
Amanda Joy Rader
