Praised (for the approaching anniversary of my birth) - October 1, 2021

You are praised, Eternal One,

For blessing the singer and the song

For inspiring storyteller and dreamer 

For enabling poets and songwriters to find their voices 

For residing in hands that form notes and chords and clap in rhythm 

For enlightening thinkers and students of any age as they discover new wisdom

For lifting the spirits of travelers on difficult journeys 

For transforming new surroundings into familiar territory, and strangers into beloved neighbors 

For turning hearts of children to parents and parents to children. 

For bridging divides to bring peace ever closer 

For reminding us that anyone’s heart can be a wellspring of love. 

You are praised, Eternal One,

Who consistently fashions darkness into a new day

So that we will do the same.