Thanksgiving, Then and Now 10-31-21

The food was very scarce there back in sixteen twenty one.

The old and young went hungry with no time for games and fun

The ship had brought them to a land of opportunities,

but food was somewhat diff'rent than the food from overseas.

And sixteen out of twenty women died one winter there,

but summer months thereafter brought a feast the rest would share.

The Wampanoag had welcomed them near shores of Plymouth Bay

with Chief, Massasoit, a man who lived in Godly way.

With both the treaty and the harvest all but fully done,

the feast that they partook of was a good and healthy one.

We can't compare their hardships to the ones we have today

so we should be most thankful for the food that's on display.

With table set so perfectly so we can all enjoy

a feast of great abundance and a feast for girl and boy.

For God gives us aplenty; things that we do not deserve.

so prayer of thanks is warranted with willingness to serve.

With turkey and the trimmings and the table full of food,

we should give many thanks to God before its fully chewed.

It's difficult to really put ourselves in Pilgrim's shoes

when here we sit among our friends on soft and comfy pews.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Without A Fear 10-1-21

While winds whisper

and storm cloud's scheme

with thunder's roar

and lightning's scream,

I sit alone.

My teeth I clench.

I think about

this old park bench.

It sets alone

here under tree,

a massive one

protecting me.

It's branches wide.

It's limbs so firm.

It's trunk is huge.

That I confirm.

But time has come

and death is near.

I pray the Lord

still holds me dear.

I don't deserve

His precious grace,

but pray for this:

to see His face.

But rain now falls

and falls quite free,

while I sit dry

here under tree.

Like God, this tree

protects me now.

I am not soaked.

I do avow.

The rain is like

the sin of man,

but God protects.

We know He can.

And He forgives

both me and you.

He keeps us dry

and cleanses too.

The wind has hushed.

Clouds quickly fade,

with thunder too,

for Christ has paid.

I sit so dry

protected here,

without a care,

without a fear.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------