Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

Saturday, October 12, 2013

A Lesson in 'Thanksgiving'

I absolutely refuse to celebrate halloween (or even capitalize the word), but I most definitely celebrate Thanksgiving. And it's Thanksgiving (November 28th this year)  that's been on my mind a lot lately. Hence my new Thanksgiving poem. I'll share it with all of you and help you get into the mood with me.
FIRST THANKSGIVING - PUB DOMAINA LESSON IN THANKSGIVING
Pilgrims reached the blessed shore,
But bitter winters were in store.
Death and anguish played their part.
Still, 'twas with a thankful heart
That they gathered to expound
Upon the God whose gifts abound.
We, who in their footsteps trod,
Though they lie beneath the sod,
Now do take the lesson learned
From their lives, and, in our turn,
We prepare to thank and praise;
To that same God our anthems raise.
And just as they faced troubled days,
Through hardships grievous made their ways,
So, now, such grievous times we face,
That ne'er before have taken place.
Yet from their lesson we take heart
And lift our songs with grateful hearts.
We will not bow to troubled thoughts,
Nor in the throes of fear be caught,
We have too rich a heritage.
So with forefathers we engage
To praise and sing and laugh and play
And celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
~~~

Saturday, October 20, 2012

What's For Dinner?


a poem by Sandra Conner
To borrow an old "country" expression, I can say for sure that "it's coming on to my favorite time of year": Autumn in all it's radiant blue, gold, and russet glory, Thanksgiving just around the corner, and Christmas just far enough away to be able to spread out and savor every little moment of planning for the joys ahead. Now, being a writer, I have to express all that enjoyment in some literary way. However, there's SO MUCH enjoyment that, even though last week I wrote a Thanksgiving poem, I find that this week I have suddenly created another. I was sure you'd want to enjoy it with me.
WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
I spot him there, behind the barn,
A full-plumed, regal bird.
He looks up, straight into my eyes.
I speak no single word.
It's happened thus, in passing years --
At least for two or three:
Each mid-November I've set my mind;
He's been there to greet me.
Now, lifting his head in challenge strong,
He gobbles loud and long.
I lower my gun and heave a sigh:
To kill him would be wrong!
So, wrestling with my double mind,
I trek home to my wife
To explain why once again this year
Ham will greet the carving knife.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Ah, Thanksgiving, How I Love You!


I absolutely refuse to celebrate Halloween, but I love Thanksgiving dearly.  Almost every Thanksgiving in my life has wonderful, love-filled memories, and I always start celebrating the holiday early.  So I'm beginning extra-early this year with this brand new poem.  I realize that this holiday tends to be primarily an American holiday, but many people around the world do take time during the harvest season to celebrate and be grateful for the year's bounty, so I hope it gives all of you a lift and a bit of extra joy for this time of year.
AH, THANKSGIVING, HOW I LOVE YOU!
a poem by Sandra Conner
Ah, Thanksgiving, how I love you!
Golden, crowning jewel of Fall.
Beacon of warmth and camaraderie,
Sending glad invitation to all:
"Gather to worship; gather to visit;
Gather to focus on all that's worthwhile;
Feast from tables resplendent with harvest;
Feast on the love in a touch and a smile."
All the year's labors weigh heavy upon us;
All the world's problems seem bigger by far.
But out from that wearisome struggle you call us,
And laying it down, we run to where you are.
And whether in cottages, mansions, or churches,
Community buildings or tables in parks,
We gather with gratitude full -- overflowing;
To the Giver of blessings lift voices and hearts.
Then we return to life's pattern awaiting.
Filled up with joy, we set off on our way,
Warmer and richer and kinder in spirit
For pausing to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. 
I hope each of you can celebrate this Thanksgiving Day with someone you love.
Photo courtesy of The Graphics Fairy: http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Longing For Them Now

by Sandra Conner


Bright flashes of blissful moments,
Fluttering pages of Christmas memories
Drifting through my mind.

Pages of memories of childhood beam
With living, expectant Christmas dreams.
Longing for them now.

Remembering how each page was able to ignite
My imagination, which brought each one to life.

Oh happy, happy days!
Bright daydreams and wishes,
Make-believing magic,
Found within the pages --
The Christmas catalogs.

© 2012 by Sandra Conner


Photo from Wishbookweb.com.  Visit the site
to check out nostalgic Christmas catalogs
that span 6 decades.