American Holiday

In the Fall of 1620

Aboard the Mayflower ship

One hundred and two passengers

Began a fateful trip

 

Their goals of religious freedom

And great prosperity

Looked to be far out of reach;

Death seemed a certainty

 

Half the Pilgrims made it through

That winter, cold and brutal

Without the aid of local tribes

Their struggle would be futile

 

The natives showed the settlers

The bounty of the land

And after fruitful harvest,

A grand feast was to be planned

 

The Pilgrims showed their gratitude

For the grace that came with living ~

This first American holiday,

So aptly called Thanksgiving

 

Author's Note

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reviews

[Baby Ricochet]

Ah the settlers. It's a good thing they didn't write the federalist papers or I might be burned at the stake.

[Rita L. Sev]

LOL! I would have been in big trouble, too...

[Tom]

Curious to know if this harmonious relationship between the natives and the settlers continued thereafter?

An hedonistic and charming piece of American history !

[Rita L. Sev]

This is actually one of the only examples of harmony between European colonists and the Natives of the land. Sad. Thanks, Tom.

[SyberRose]

Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving...i'm still eating turkey soup...i always make it after Thanksgiving.
Lovely poem Rita...Rose:)

[Rita L. Sev]

My mother used to make turkey soup after Thanksgiving - it was my Dad's favorite. :) Thanks, Rose!

[Jennifer Gladen]

Super job! I love the mix of facts in there and the rhythm was perfect. Great job.

[Rita L. Sev]

Sometimes the teacher in me comes out here... :) Thank you!

[redflutterby]

Perfect poem about the true purpose of the holiday. Thanks for sharing it!!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much, Red! :)

[Pryde Foltz]

An apt and very well rounded pieces. Enjoy, your tofurky.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Thanks, Pryde - I will be enjoying the stuffing and roasted vegetables - not much of a tofu gal!

[Marie]

Thank you Rita. I also have a THanksgiving poem to share...

I wish we all counted its blessings.

[Rita L. Sev]

It's the best attitude to have - gratitude! Thanks, Marie!

[Angel]

Ha! The Teacher writes!
This is just perfect, Hun!
Like Jacob, I wish we could have hung on to that gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving, Sweetie!!

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thank you, Angel! I know you always count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Angel]

I do, Rita. And among my richest blessings are the wonderful friends I have here in the Café. Like my sweet Little Bird...

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thankful here, too!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is the good part of that history...
wish we could have followed through on this gratitude thing.

happy thanksgiving Rita...!

jacob

[Rita L. Sev]

Agreed... Thank you, Jacob, and happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you for sharing your lovely poem of history with us!!
Wonderful thoughts!
May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sheila! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!