When you are down and out and nothing seems
to reach the end of patience you resign
without chagrin because you feel that there
is at day’s end a conversation that
will wipe the toil and sweat and even tears
away. As certain as the kneeling learned
from recollection master and Father
Jerry “Moments.” That when you start the day
with gratitude no matter how it goes
your spirit is sustained by how it ends
in peace. Like when you thank the day again.
Because each breath we take unless we give
may never come back in and pity that.
I speak of thanks in awe because I had
the least of expectations when I went
to see Bob on the outcome of the work
I volunteered to them. It was a shock
I will not deign disclose lest it decrease
the absolute surprise it enveloped
my being. Let it just be said that from
their office I was light of feet and went
right down to the bookstore where I feasted
on the many treasures with the clients
sharing my voracious literary
and spiritual appetite. I went next
to the chapel that I barely noticed
going in. Then it dawned why I was blessed:
Heart of Mary was the house’s good name.
Abraham de la Torre
