I have delighted in Gabrielle Calvocoressi’s new book of poems, “The New Economy,” including “Praise House,” which, even if it wasn’t specifically dedicated to Ross Gay, would call that poet to mind, especially his “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.” It’s lovely to read and think along with such gifted poets about praise and gratitude, which are the kissing cousins of joy. In turn, I was inspired to compile my praises and thanksgivings.
Trusty corduroy pants and faded blue Oxford shirts.
A Bluey Band-Aid that my young daughter affixed to my right ring finger just because.
Community watch groups to safely monitor immigration enforcement.
A toy garbage truck that sits on my desk, which was given to my young sons by a garbage collector because those toddlers stood at our front screen door every Monday morning with wide-eyed wonder.
The Rev. John B. Coburn’s phrase, “Grace does not pressure—but offers.”
Cheerful purple writing pens.
Honest-to-God apologies.
The way that hawks always leave a fencepost in a huff.
How ladybugs move inside this time of year.
Ladybugs all year round.
Baseballs with grass stains
Letters to Santa, especially with misspelled words.
Freshman Derek Dixon’s step-back three-pointer against Kentucky.
Middle schoolers saying, “6-7!”
Ankle socks.
Eating oatmeal with honey, raisins, apples, and almonds until the painted sunflower is revealed on the bottom of the bowl.
Daniel Wallace’s flash fiction collection, Beneath the Moon and Long Dead Stars.
Teaching my kids to play blackjack while the gas logs in the fireplace warm the living room.
Grilled cheese on sourdough.
Thomas Merton’s prayer, “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.”
Democracy. My neighbor’s tiny, one-eared dog, Franklin, who barks like hell at all the big dogs.
Finally, an octogenarian friend sidled up to me with a story today. She plays Wordle and, like many people, enters the same word every morning. She had been telling God that, if her word ever hit on the first try, then she would be ready to die and go to heaven. Well, the other week, she entered her word, “Arise,” and saw it was correct! She swears that, somewhere above and beyond, there was laughter.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the author of the book with Wipf and Stock Publishers titled This Is the Day: A Year of Observing Unofficial Holidays about Ampersands, Bobbleheads, Buttons, Cousins, Hairball Awareness, Humbugs, Serendipity, Star Wars, Teenagers, Tenderness, Walking to School, Yo-Yos, and More. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he is a student of joy.
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