(This is a truthful account!)

On the ship dubbed Mayflower, Pilgrims sailed o’er the sea

To a land where these Christians would seek their liberty

To live in obedience to God Almighty above:

It would take their sacrifice, their courage, their patience, their love.

*
After a hard and long voyage, they were “brought safe to land”

Through perilous seas by the Lord’s gracious hand.

They fell to their knees on the cold shores of Cape Cod

And lifted their voices in thankful blessings to God.

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The Pilgrims settled down in Plymouth, after weeks of exploration

And built a common house, the start of their plantation.

There was good fertile soil and water flowing from fresh springs

And forests filled with nuts and berries and other tasty things.

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That first winter was harder than most humans could bear

But the Pilgrims, without complaining, trusted in God’s care.

Though sickness took near half of them to their heav’nly destination

God forged these hardy Pilgrims, and destined a new nation.

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That first spring was welcomed and they planted the rich fields

And prayed for a harvest of a hale and hearty yield.

Kindly native Indians offered ‘know-how’ and their aid

So over that first summer, lasting friendships were gladly made.

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So greatly was appreciated the harvest of that fall

That the governor named Bradford sent forth a public call

To thank the Lord Almighty in a very special way

With a time of prayer and feasting – a Thanksgiving Day!

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The chief of the Indians came and brought ninety more

Feeding all those people would really be a chore!

But the Indians didn’t come empty-handed in the least

They came loaded down with goodies to add to the feast!

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The Indians brought plump turkeys and plenty of deer meat.

The Pilgrims cooked fresh veggies: carrots, onions, turnips, beets.

Dessert was not forgotten: they made puddings and pies so sweet

And the Indians popped popcorn! Yes! For the Pilgrims, a new treat!

*
They ate and ate, then had some sport and took some time to play

But Thanksgiving is more than food and fun: it is a time to pray.

So the Pilgrims and the Indians humbly bowed their heads

Remembering God’s goodness, a prayer of thanks was said.

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So it came to pass in that year, sixteen-hundred twenty-one

In the beauty of the autumn, this celebration was begun.

One more fact about this fine feast of gobble-gobble glee:

That very first Thanksgiving was not one day … but THREE!
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© 2008 CAVenable

See a silly poem for Thanksgiving!

 

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