Here I am at the end of 2016 inside my pleasant, artsy,

warm house surrounded by beauty and people and

animals I love. I’m safe and warm; I have plenty to eat.

I feel lucky, yet I wonder about those who are not

safe or warm and don’t have enough to eat. Do they have

have the same optimism looking forward as I do?

Or, do they continue to feel defeated and desperate – depressed?

I have no clear answers, but some need tangible items, and others

require love and support.

So, here’s to looking forward with hope…

I secretly cherish your

Bare limbed beauty – casting long shadows while

Your ebony limbs reach toward blissful blue skies –

And, I love how you carry scars like treasure on every limb-

Stark bare branched beauties.