Musical Thanksgiving Poem

by Karen DeShiro
(Baker City, OR , USA)

Thanksgiving out on the ranch in the high desert is a time of beauty and celebration. The autumn leaves burn bright with reds, yellows, and orange sprinkled among the last of the green leaves. The smell of good wholesome food pervades the air, and the apple trees become playhouses for the children. There is much to be thankful for.

We had just finished eating the usual fare: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, various salads, and homemade dinner rolls. Too satisfied to move, we sat talking quietly or laughing out loud at the stories heard once again.

Somewhere out of the blue, a guitar appeared and songs began to play. Old T.V. show tunes were plucked as we all sang what words we knew. We danced to old rock and roll songs coming from the strings. Music had never been a traditional part of our Thanksgiving dinner, but that day is etched so clearly in my mind.

Gone was the slumberous feeling associated with the after dinner atmosphere, and dancing about the room were old folks, young folks, teenagers, and a completely mystified 6 year old who had never seen us all so crazy at one time. We were clapping and twirling, adding our voices to the chorus as the words were recalled. It was truly a time of thanksgiving, a time I will have as a warm memory if I ever need it on a cold winter night.

Musical Thanksgiving Poem

One day goes by, the next nearly gone,
trembling voices lifted in song.

Dancing and twirling, the tapping of feet,
losing the rhythm or finding the beat.

Leaves of fall float to the ground,
smells of dinner swirling around.

Stories are told over home cooked food.
You look at their faces, yes, all is good.

We are thankful to return to the nest,
for the people we love, we are truly blessed.