Things Could Have Been Different

I am so thankful I am alive to notice moments that are pure happiness

It’s Thanksgiving

and I’m drinking wine with my mother

mystified that my story could have ended

any other way

not laughing on the porch with my parents

head swimming with love

fingers dancing on keys 

as I write another poem

about loving my family

If things had turned out differently

I would be buried in the ground

my parents weeping at my grave

only bones and pain

left in my final resting place

instead, I am resting on my couch

dog snuggled up beside me

lost for words 

as to how I can apologize

for almost making this holiday

and every other one that followed

somber and dimmed

by one decision

that would have changed everything

Author's Note

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to be alive

Reviews

[Chris]

Perhaps THAT is part of the answer you sought in the last poem of yours I read a few minutes ago...