Thanksgiving Nocturne

by
Rev Ralph Fotia

November days gather the leaves of September carpeting earth's floor.

Gray skies retouch the colors of autumn.

The reds, yellows and orange turn to pale brown

Clumped around denuded trees stripped for winter.

Autumnal forests prepare for the winter's cutting winds.

Bitter cold awaits the gentle cover of falling snow,

Tucking the seeds and tiny creatures

Awaiting the spring rebirth.

In the dying days of autumn, busy hands prepare the fruits of harvest time.

The cornucopia of God's bounty gives forth a fragrance and aroma

Reaching up as a thanksoffering to God.

Come to that ladened table not just to be fed,

But receive the blessing and the grace,

And feast in thanksgiving and joy.

Come and see the works of the Lord

In the miracle of November's fading days.

Thanksgiving

by Rev Ralph Fotia

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving
When all through the town,
Very few turkeys were running around.

The pumpkins had already been made into pies
While cranberry and chestnuts entice hungry eyes.

When all of a sudden, there occurred such a clatter--
Mother had placed the stuffed bird on a platter.

And what to our hungry eyes did we see?
Mashed potatoes and gravy, and piles of green peas.

To the top of the stairs to the foot of the bed,
We said our night prayers for what was ahead.

Now I lay me down to sleep.
I hope all that good food will keep.

And then on Thanksgiving Day we will raise
Our forks and our voices in words of praise,
And we will remember Thanksgiving of days gone by
With a family of loved ones
And Mom's pumpkin pie.

But before all that feasting and all of that fun,
We give thanks to the Almighty for what He has done.