Fats here.
This has been a crazy week for me. It always seems that way right before you leave for vacation! I haven’t packed anything yet and we leave early on Sunday. Daniel and I are spending a week in Sanibel Island (Florida) with his family. We’ve lived in Ohio for four years and this is the first time we’re able to go on vacation with his parents, his sister, his brother-in-law, and their nine-month-old baby girl. Needless to say, we’re really excited.
For my Poetry Friday offering this week, I have a simple and humbling poem by Jimmy Santiago Baca. The poem appeared in the collection, Immigrants in Our Own Land and Selected Early Poems.
Poetry Friday round-up is hosted this week by Jone at Deowriter!
I Am Offering this Poem
I am offering this poem to you,
since I have nothing else to give.
Keep it like a warm coat
when winter comes to cover you,
or like a pair of thick socks
the cold cannot bite through,
I love you,
I have nothing else to give you,
so it is a pot full of yellow corn
to warm your belly in winter,
it is a scarf for your head, to wear
over your hair, to tie up around your face,
I love you,
Keep it, treasure this as you would
if you were lost, needing direction,
in the wilderness life becomes when mature;
Read the rest of the poem here.
Gathering Books 
Fats, here’s wishing you a lovely time at Sanibel! And wow, this poem is just beautiful. Quite a few folks I instantly want to share it with. Sometimes a poem is all we have, and yes, sometimes it is all we need. Too often we forget that! Thank you! xo
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My family has spent many vacations on Captiva Island & love Sanibel too. Have a marvelous time, Fats. This poem is wonderful, & like Irene, I hope to share with some, & to print it out for me! That final verse is special: “and all anyone needs to live”. Thanks!
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A poem is the best gift. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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Enjoy the beach and time with family. My husband’s family (grandparents, 3 kids, 3 spouses and 5 grandkids) have vacationed together for the past 10 or so years. It’s the highlight of our year! Your poem is a beautiful gift.
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Enjoy Snaibel. What a poem. They are gifts and sometimes all we have.
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