Surprised by How I Reply
Walking the dogs, a car Pulls over to the curb. The driver rolls down the window, And shouts out: What cute puppies you have. Thank you, I respond, I think so too! We just obtain them. Bless you, sir, she says, Taking care of such Pleasant beasties. And to my surprise, I retort, God bless you too, and All His creatures. She nods, smiles, drives away. Another time, also walking the dogs, Someone in the neighborhood Strides by, and launches a casual “How are you?” And I reply: “Thanks God.” How did I, the son of once Determined atheists, acquire Such pietistic language? Hanging out with Jews who Pray on a regular basis Might be part of the explanation. After all, we imitate what we hear. And their language is full of Gratitude filled benedictions. But maybe less than imitation, Albeit a high form of flattery, Is a graceful pouring into my heart Of a simpler gratitude: After all, there is no discernible Reason that I should be here at all, Except for the fact that I am. So, I guess, I try to be grateful, And it comes out in Unexpected, surprising Phrases that few simply Looking at me walking The dogs in my well-appointed Neighborhood would naturally Expect. Odd that the phrase Thanks God is, in these parts, A surprise.
A beautiful poem that moved me, Dennis.
To strive to know God—to be close to God—is to experience joy. Your “God” outbursts don’t surprise me at all, from what I know of you—you just have that enlightened quality that wants to share the God joy with others! That’s my point of view. Also, I read your poem while abroad in Italy and while I was missing my dog so much. Sadly, in the last two days, she became gravely ill and died rather suddenly. It’s so painful to be so far away and experience her loss. Hug your doggies—those marvelous gifts from God—and keep spreading that joy for God, Dennis.