So Much More to be Grateful For

#31, December 15, 1999

This week I'm going to express my gratitude

(while trying not to regress to platitude)

For some things about my dear Petaluma

Which I like to recall with warmth and humor.

(I'll try to stick with eleven syllables,

But I cant guarantee I won't break the rules.)

For velvet mists floating o'er the glassy river,

Foggy wind on my face making me shiver.

The white sun rising over green Sonoma hills,

Warmth and light on my cheeks through the autumn chills.

When the egret's silhouetted on the sun.

The skaters at their park, hooting, having fun.

Other guys on bikes, shouting "Buenos dias!"

Watching out for cars (we're praying they see us.)

My friends and my colleagues in Telecom Vale.

The historic downtown, still making the sale.

The farms and ranches surrounding the City.

Efforts to keep all them healthy and pretty.

For buildings preserved, and the trees beside them.

For the growth controls, I am glad we tried them.

For creeks still singing, not buried underground.

Cows, the dairy air, that heavy mooing sound.

For the Phoenix, Tom, and Robert's rescue team:

The will and the way to keep alive a dream.

For the Usual Suspects, "trouble" makers.

The paradigm shifters, paradigm breakers.

For the parks for the people, all over town.

Swings for swinging up and slides for sliding down.

Oak Hill, Schollenberger, and Lafferty Park.

The hope for outdoor basketball, after dark.

All the boys and girls, batting and chasing balls,

That they aren't obsessed with hanging out in malls.

For all artists and musicians, young and old.

The tree planters, dog walkers, creek fixers bold.

The Harmoni-COTS, their youthful antics,

And their hugs, their tears, innocent romantics.

All the students in studies, struggling to learn.

And the teachers and parents, struggling to earn.

And all the folks who give so much to this town.

That they pull together when the chips are down.

For neighbors helping neighbors, and reaching out.

For knowing that giving is what it's about.

For a new two-hundred year General Plan.

The widening circle of people who can

Move us all together in a brand new way.

For the hope that we'll create a better day.

There is oh so much more to be grateful for

But my word count is set by my editor.

Improving this great place-- not a piece of cake…

But "anything is possible when everything's at stake."