In this time
of family
celebrations
of friends
good food
plenty
I find myself
grateful for growth
the rings on the tree
the branches reaching for the sky
the lines on my face
furrowed
folds
of skin formed
from smiles
laughter
tears
living
grateful for growth
round belly
birth of children
full of life
sprinkles of age
across my brow
heart hurts
and heals
leaving scars
but forming
character
who I am
having weathered
the storms
of swirling emotions
the tough times
as the redwood trees
sprout again
after fire
green growth
new
resplendent
I am grateful
for the growth
of bud to leaf
of flower to fruit
of me
to this age
and my daughters returning
and my husband
growing next to me
I am grateful
for the growth
of family
of love
of tender memories
for living is a compilation
of riches
counted in the rings of trees
the photos
the flashing laughter
grateful for the growth
of love.