Granted: One Cold World

"How's it going today?"
I asked Christopher,
proprietor of my favorite
breakfast spot.
"Well, I got another day
out of this deal so I
guess I'm supposed to be
thankful." I nodded.
"I'm the same way.
Every morning I wake up
and think
Wow. I've been granted
another day."
"Yes indeed. Still got a
pulse is the most I can say,"
Christopher added.
"Hey look at it this way,"
I said, "At least we don't
take it for granted the way
everyone else does."
Christopher grimaced.
"Hell, I wish I could take
each day for granted."
I had no response.
What a world, that a man
should wish to take his days
for granted.
What an upside-down world.

(2008)