The first day of autumn
when a young writer's thoughts turn to
falling leaves, pumpkins, and poetry.

September
by Helen Hunt Jackson

The goldenrod is yellow;
The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down.

The gentian's bluest fringes
Are curling in the sun;
In dusky pods the milkweed
Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges ( Read more... )

 Over the River

(Thanksgiving Day)

Over the river and through the wood
To Grandmother's house we go.
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the wood
To have a first ( Read more... )

Song of the Pilgrims

By Nancy Sue Krenrich

Across the rolling, wind-swept sea
For months we've sailed along,
I see a land that's new to me
Against the blue horizon.

Oh, beautiful land of freedom born,
I've come across the sea
To reap your fruits and build my home,
And make my people free. 

Little Pilgrim  Original Author Unknown
Sung to: "Twinkle Twinkle "

Little Pilgrim dressed in gray
on that first Thanksgiving Day.
Little Indian dressed in brown,
Came to visit Plymouth Town,
They both came to eat and pray
on that first Thanksgiving Day.

~~~~~~~~~

Mr. Turkey Original Author Unknown

I have a turkey, big and fat.
He spreads his tail and ( Read more... )

( Read more... )

A Proclamation Signed in Script Type by George Washington
Appearing in The Massachusetts Centinel of October 14, 1789 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This historic proclamation was issued by George Washington during his first year as President. It sets aside Thursday, November 26 as "A Day of Publick Thanksgiving and Prayer."

Signed by Washington on October 3 ( Read more... )

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.  ~Theodore Roosevelt

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons ( Read more... )

The Pilgrims CameThe Pilgrims came across the sea,
And never thought of you and me;
And yet it's very strange the way
We think of them Thanksgiving Day.

We tell their story old and true
Of how they sailed across the blue,
And found a new land to be free
And built their homes quite near the sea.

Every child knows well the tale
Of how they bravely turned ( Read more... )

Come ye thankful people come,
Raise the song of harvest home!
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God's own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God's own field
Fruit unto his praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
( Read more... )

 

Thank You
     for all my hands can hold ---
          apples red
               and melons gold,
                    yellow corn
                         both ripe and sweet,
                              peas and beans
                                   so good to eat!

Thank You
     for all my eyes can see ---
          lovely sunlight,
                ( Read more... )