Thanksgiving Day Wish 2013

The ongoing chaos over the ACA, its failed website, failed rollout, and ongoing allegations of deception and misleading by our President and his misuse of "periods" has been a continuing source of poetic responses in the form of blogs (www.alaskanpoetcommentator.com ) tweets (www.twitter.com/alaskanpoet) and comments. Today after seeing the pardon of the Turkeys and smiling over the use of the name Popcorn (a favorite treat of this poet), it seems more appropriate to send the muse out in favor of Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for and we have an innate capacity to give of ourselves, our dollars and our time to those less fortunate and even better to bring to the political table a sense of honesty, respect, civility and compromise to name but a few attributes our politicians on both sides of the aisle are in short supply.
        Hope you enjoy this poem. Happy Thanksgiving to all and to my new found Oregon beating friends, the Wildcats of the University of Arizona, please defeat the Sun Devils this Saturday.

A Thanksgiving Wish

Before the family and friends begin to arrive,

A brief moment to sit down and take a quiet five

As the aroma and warmth fills each nook and space

Before the dishes and recipes begin falling into place

Before the turkey thawed the day before from the oven the table will grace

In those quiet moments on Thanksgiving a time to ponder and reflect

The blessings that troubles and adversities will always reduce and deflect

Much more than the bountiful succulent caloric stuffing repast

No, the blessings for the soul and spirit that were meant to last

To each the blessings are like snowflakes unique and pristine

Gently touching a soul today blessed to be tranquil and serene

We may be a nation still divided and the aisles are like moats

Slowly, surely saner heads will prevail--after all we are all in the same boat

After over 300 years, we possess and practice amazing freedoms still

For the tyrants still in this world to swallow, it  must be a bitter pill

Many of us still suffer across this great land

Yet in times of trouble, we are quick to give a helping hand

For Thanksgiving is not a one  word only on what you receive

But two and without the “giving”, all “thanks” are soon to leave

The world is still a dangerous place, but the Winds today only whisper, do not howl

This day let your spirit and soul be in peaceful smile, no hint of frown or scowl

When the dinner is finally done and the turkey tryptophan excess reigns

Enjoy the pleasures of family and friends, let not that comfort wane

Black Friday will be just another day and in the malls serenity you will not find

Only crowds frantic for bargains and sales, a stress perhaps best left behind

Happy Thanksgiving for the blessings you have and in giving choose to bestow

Not just today, but daily from the early rains of spring to the winter falling snows

Michael P. Ridley aka the Alaskanpoet

© November 27, 2013