Gratitude is the flower that blooms
before the bee comes.
Gratitude is praising what isn’t yet
to be sure it arrives.
Gratitude is not unlike the tuis
in the cherry tree,
their riotous party.
And gratitude is Lavender
and Butterfly Pea tea,
two cups and saucers,
slices of lemon.
Not waiting for a softening
but drawing upon the strength of grace
that’s always served us.
That somehow like the bee
will make us worthy.
Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry
August 2021
Living Tree Poetry 