Recently I was organizing the clutter on my computer’s desk top when I came across a poem my Peter wrote last year in 8th grade. I was as moved this time as I was the very first time I read it. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I felt compelled to share the message of gratitude through the eyes (and words) of a 13 year old.
Thanks – By Peter Feinman
As my eyes rise from the depths of silence,
Peeking over the warmth of my blankets,
My mind begins to tick,
The rays of the golden sun greeting my sensitive pupils,
And I think to myself how lucky I am.
I tip toe into the bathroom as I complete my morning routine,
And I slowly scan the room in awe as I notice how much I am provided with,
And how fortunate I am to be able to clean my body,
And wear the clothes I do.
While walking to the bus I hear the crunch, crunch as the gravel rolls beneath my feet,
I hear the honking of car horns,
And I hear the whines of other children,
And at that point I know that I do not have to go to school, I get to go to school,
And I think to myself how lucky I am.
I feel a breeze of excitement rush past me as I open the school doors,
I feel the loneliness wash away as friends reunite at 8:50a.m.,
I feel the love between the teachers as they watch the students glide by while sharing a cup of coffee,
Then, I realize that I am surrounded by friends and teachers who care about me,
Who I can share conversations and laughs with,
And I think to myself how lucky I am.
I take a seat in a smooth leathery chair of a yellow school bus,
And as I stare out the window, all I do is think,
I think about how great our nation could be if all men were not just created equal, but we stayed equal,
If race, religion, ethnicity, and social class did not make up who we are today,
If people looked at others from the inside and by the way people act,
If all people were born with the same opportunities and chances in life,
With freedom, a gift from God, people can rise to the highest parts of life,
And I know that because I am free I will have many more opportunities that will come my way,
And I think to myself how lucky I am.
I sit down and start to turn the slick pages of my textbook,
And the steam coming from the fresh food finds its way to my nose,
And I smell the sweet soap from the upstairs bathroom, and I smell the pumpkin scent from the crackling candle mounted on the countertop,
And I am grateful to sit with my family and taste the warm food melt in my mouth,
Before sipping the ice cold water to wash it down,
And I think to myself how lucky I am.
I drown myself with the blankets that rest on my bed,
And I squeeze one more yawn out as I stretch until my body tingles,
And I wonder what adventure will I be in tomorrow,
And I tell myself each day a new story is told,
And it is my job to live each one to the fullest,
And I am grateful that I am healthy and able to live my life,
And I think to myself how lucky I am.
So I want to say thank you,
Thank you God,
Thank you Mom,
Thank you Dad,
Thank you Ben,
Thank you Gigi,
Thank you Poppy,
Thank you Pagi,
Thank you family,
And thank you friends and teachers,
For allowing me to be myself,
And standing by me in the lows of life,
And flying with me in times of celebration,
Thank you for the life long lessons you have taught me,
And for the amazing experiences and memories that are planted in my mind forever,
And for the inspirational quotes and ideas that have blossomed within me,
I am grateful for everything you do for me,
And thank you for loving me and showing me how lucky I am.
Me and my favorite poet!
Happy Thanksgiving!
with Joy & Gratitude,
The post Thankful – Through the Eyes of a 13 Year Old appeared first on Discover Your Awesomeness.