I'm grateful, ever so thankful
To be alive and kicking
Another breath of the gift of life
Is better than finger licking
Good or bad, shocking or sad
So far I can handle it
Dunno, maybe resilience comes from
My mom and dad
Whether I born was born into it
Or got it along the way
That's a question for
Tomorrow morning's 9 am
Bluejay
Celebrate survival, being here
Kick up a dance
Now that your fears
Have been delayed or put to rest
Appreciate all failures and foibles
But also all times you passed the test
In trials and tribulations
In sorrows and indignations
For better, for worse
Both in sickness and health
For all the moments you were silenced
And could also run off your mouth
Life is a mixed bag
Like Halloween candy
In a stocking on the mantel
Bastard or bitch, ahole or hag
Like beaches both rocky and sandy
Like a snuffed or lit candle
Stick around, don't look back
See the town, make some tracks
Whether in a night gown or
Cheap PJs off the rack
Heed the countdown
Meet and greet your joy within
Banishing forever that inner sadsack
Hands in the air
Celebrate while you can
Take a leap, take a dare
Be that woman
Be that man
~ Gunnar Våken
