Today, As You Give Thanks - "Some Things To Consider..."

...a modest Thanksgiving meal, 1999
(Image via: NYCDreamin Archives)

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday.


Our friend and contributor Ed Siejka has sent along another great original piece with some inspirational, soul-searching thoughts for everyone to ponder today while spending time gathered with family and friends for the Thanksgiving meal.

Some Things to Consider...
by Ed Siejka

Some time ago
A late night supper
Was set for me
Steaming dishes
Plates
Glasses
Solitary salt and pepper
In silver trim
All waited for me
On white linen.

Finished
I sat back
Drink in hand
Remembering
Life takes many roads
Some twisted
Others narrow and endless
Signs Glowing in the night
Dot the lonely highway
Pointing in different directions.

Take nothing for granted
Until it’s done
Take what you need
And need what you take
Compromise
Half of something is better than all of nothing
Keep your life simple
You need only one home
If you choose the monastic life
You need less than that
Pace yourself
Only a reckless fool lives like
They’ll die tomorrow
No one can go back
To start a new beginning
But everyone can start today
And make a new ending.

Keep your word
People work hard for their money
Count yours carefully
And spend it wisely
Love all
Trust few
Believe only God
An enemy can never betray you
Only a friend can.

Your family is all you have
Provide for them
And they will stay with you.

Every mistake tells a story
Be willing to learn
Experience is hard to come by
Book learning is good
But hard work and talent
Will unlock your dreams.

In the quiet of night
When the beating of your pulse
Is all you hear
Be honest
Know the difference of
Following your heart
And reading between the lines.



You can read this and many more of Ed's excellent poems over at Poetry Soup.com