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Tom Zart
Senior Member

since 2006-05-18

Posts 682

0 posted 2006-11-19 11:37 AM

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

The Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving
At Plymouth in October 1621.
The bitter winter of 1620, was over
With a loss of many father, mother, daughter or son.

Life for survivors was much better now
As a good harvest improved what was rationed
Settlers enjoyed good health and prosperity
As homes were raised from the logs they fashioned.

They walked unafraid and safely in the woods
For they had made peace with the Indians.
After the signing a long-lasting treaty
Natives and Pilgrims shared the land as friends.

Sending four men to shoot waterfowl and wild turkeys
The Pilgrims decreed a holiday of good fortune
A chief was invited who brought 90 braves
And five deer to increase the portion.

It was an open-air roast and festival
Held along the north bank of Town Brook.
Where there were games of skill, chance and dance
While everyone gorged on the feast they cooked.

From then on Thanksgiving spread through the colonies
Though each region chose its own date.
Till in 1789 president Washington proclaimed
November 26 a day to give thanks and celebrate.

The theme of Thanksgiving has always been the same.
Though its date has changed many times.
A day for giving and remembering the less fortunate
Expressing thankfulness with our prayers, hearts and minds.

It is our duty as a nation to acknowledge providence
Of Almighty God, and to obey his will.
To be grateful for his blessings, and protection
As we humbly partake in the tables we fill.

THANKSGIVING 2006

It's a time of plenty and a time for prayer,
A time for families to gather and share.
It's a time to remember those pilgrims past,
A time to celebrate life, while it last.

As we bow our heads around the table,
With turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Before we feast we’ll thank our Lord
For the blessings of the year gone by.

Old Jack Frost is freezing on the windows,
As outside the bitter wind blows.
While inside there's a red, hot fire,
Which welcomes and warms both hearts and souls.

By Tom Zart
Most Published Poet
On The Web

[This message has been edited by Tom Zart (11-20-2006 03:03 PM).]

Joyce Johnson

Member Rara Avis

since 2001-03-10

Posts 9912
Washington State

1 posted 2006-11-20 01:44 PM

Thanks Tom for the story and meaning of Thanksgiving in your poetry. Love, Joyce

Tom Zart
Senior Member

since 2006-05-18

Posts 682

2 posted 2006-11-20 03:02 PM

Thank you for your kind reply.

sandgrain
Member Elite

since 1999-09-21

Posts 3662
Sycamore, IL, USA

3 posted 2006-11-20 08:34 PM

Thank you for sharing these with us. It's nice to be reminded how the first Thanksgiving was compared to now. Yet, you're right, we still thank our Father in heaven for the bounty of blessings we enjoy.
Your poetry is among them.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,

Rae

Tom Zart
Senior Member

since 2006-05-18

Posts 682

4 posted 2006-11-26 09:37 PM

Thank you for your time and wonderful reply
of support.

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