Indignant Grace

by Asia Batchelor

I am thankful.

For the birds chirping for freedom in my head.

For the snakes slithering alongside my tongue,

unbeknownst to my mind.

For the trees of wisdom that plant deep

roots of pain and experience,

reaching far beneath my feet.

I am thankful.

Thankful,

she said with indignance.

Grateful,

she said with a smile.

The only thing she didn't say was the truth

how long her spite was,

how drafty the open windows

of her mind made her head.

Hollow, yet full of something more,

something that found space for appreciation.