Gratitude

He carries out the trash
like he’s done one hundred times before

stays out after everyone
is gone to clean-up

all their droppings

makes sure to fix the coffee
before he goes to bed

next day sets up the shade, carries the chairs,
purchases the ice, packs the blankets,

does the shopping, fixes the fence,
makes sure others are comfortable

never complaining

about the pain in his hips
the numbness in his wrist

however generous his gift

when time comes around
he is expected to do it again

on his birthday he got
an old wallet from his son
with no pictures in it

his daughter only calls
when she wants
something from him

his sister ignores him
‘till she’s in
over her head

no extra effort to show gratitude

because he is always there
and only thought
about when he is needed.