Elisabeth A. Beard

THANKSGIVING 2005

Why would I thank You?
My only son lies dead.
How much would it mean to You
Even if I said,
“Father, in heaven
From whom all blessings flow…”
For even if I spoke the words,
You are God. You’d know…
You see my stricken heart.
You hear my pain-wrenched cries.
You would know the pretty words
Are total bald-faced lies.

What shall I say, then,
God of all compassion?
Only that I love You still
In faltering, grief-drained fashion