Readers,

Whatever this day means to you, I dedicate this poem to those that don't give themselves credit (or even enough of it) for their personal growth. Please surround yourselves around others that want to grow and are making an effort to do so; your roots cannot form around plants that don't grow. Take care of yourself and remember: you're blooming and it matters.

They always ask, 'what are you thankful for?'

I readily reply 'my family and friends' among other cherished answers

There's this expectation to give a grand list of material things after that

But one I haven't ever said aloud is so simple:

Me

This is no poem of arrogance or vanity

I'm not writing to say, 'I know I'm the best,'

Or, 'Look at me!'

My words are to show gratitude for growth

I was the seed, waiting to be nourished

By life's water and sustenance

I was the sprout, searching for stronger roots

With passion's ground and anchor

Yet, I stunted that journey

By looking at how everyone else grew

And thinking I had to do it the same way

At the same pace with no regard to

Me

Years go by, and I began to understand

It was then, that the vivid colors of

Spiritual glow and self-love truly shone

I felt the roots take shape

I embraced the transition from sprout to flower

And I was so elated to be

Me

In this I tell you, I am grateful to be

In bloom, catching the warm wind and even the cold gust

That is life

But it's my life

It's the acknowledgement of still being in bloom and growth

For this, yes, I am grateful, thankful

I cannot wait to see what other winds

Colors

Roots

Create more room for a prosperous spirit

So that my family and friends can truly see

The potential that was, all along, hidden in

Me

Can I be like a flower in blooming season

Or am I merely dreaming and losing my leaves?

I used to ask myself this over and over again

Until the light in my spirit set in

And it all aligned in time

I am never done growing

And in this, I find the truest, ever-blooming gratitude