THANKS GIVING Walking backward Ill prepared I face things head on, but not the bitter wind. I turn my back as I face my goodbyes , walking away I wave to my old problems: With a snarling bite,the cold wind leaves me pierced and belittle. Walking backwards I dare not face whats in store for me. Until this wind subsides and treats me fairly, I will walk backwards slowly less I stumble. After my bones are chilled to the core. I reach my abode, devastated and delighted, the fireplace lit and flickering. Still afraid I wonder "what if" and I blame God,discounting the rescues; Then with every melting bone and every thawing toe, I thank him/her, then realizing how awesome man is and how far we have come. Annoyed I say begrudgingly "Thank you God " for this fire,and for bringing us out of the cold wilderness. I say this hoping not to entertain the "What If's" again. Forces, forcing me to open my eyes and realize that at any moment I could walk backwards again, backward in the cold with nowhere to run, without relief; I can't think of anything worse. So how can I or anyone come out of the cold ,and sit by the fire, while the frost filled Ohio wind rolls off the Erie lake. Passing desperate people I want to collect them to come and sit by the fire with me. I must love my neighbor,and share the warmth,the fire ,the food,my home. In the old days we could, I cant live like this,,,,sitting a by the fire alone, I think to my self "What If".