When Giving Is All We Have
Alberto Ríos, 1952
One river gives
Its journey to the next.
We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.
We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.
We have been better for it,
We have been wounded by it—
Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again:
Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine.
You gave me blue and I gave you yellow.
Together we are simple green. You gave me
What you did not have, and I gave you
What I had to give—together, we made
Something greater from the difference.
My dearest friends,
It’s not really like me to quote someone else’s poetry to you (you know I like to craft my own)– but I found this poem, and I couldn’t think of any real improvements to make. Maybe I’d polish up stanza 8, something about fish and chicken instead of colors that I’m just not made to appreciate, but really, this says it all.
I’ve had a good month. My skin is cleared thanks to antibiotics and steroids (which have had the side effect of helping me put on a bit of extra weight – more of me to love!), the lobby is a quiet home for me and my friends, and autumn sunshine still reaches through the windows to make delicious sun puddles to sleep in. I’ve also had some wonderful visits from friends old and new, laps to cuddle on, and yummy food to eat. I’ve got a good life here – I have so much to be grateful for!
I thought of you when I read these verses, especially the last lines. My life may be good, and yours, I hope, too. Together, though, we become something even more, something even better. You’re my number one friends and supporters, but it also means so much that you are a part of the Tabby’s Place family, so you also love other kitties, like Wilhelmina and Olive, and even my new roommate OJ. I know I’m your special boy, and I’m not always keen on other cats, but I am totally keen on the gift of love that we all give each other. Together, we become something greater than we are alone.
Thank you, my dearest friends, for being a part of our Tabby’s Place family! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with blessings.
Yours,
Boots