Thanksgiving Day in the Country

 

 There's a house in the country long miles away -

and it seems like a lifetime ago -

where our loved ones would gather on Thanksgiving Day

amid fields often "feathered" with snow.

 

We'd see the chimney's smoke curl to the skies

as we journeyed around the last bend;

the lights in the windows were welcoming eyes

and the porch like the arm of a friend!

 

Then mother and father, a little more grey,

would gaily greet all at the door,

and the house would soon echo with children at play

and a family together once more!

 

The aromas of turkey and dressing would fill

the rooms with their glorious smell

and we knew we would dine "divinely" until

our lives were replenished as well!

 

But first, heads were bowed for a moment of prayer

that father would lovingly give

in thanks for the blessings that all of us share

in this land where we freely may live!

 

As the hours sped by, and the flames flickered low

from the logs in the warm fireplace,

we knew it was time to reluctantly go

and we kissed every dear person's face!

 

And mother and father would wave from the door

as we "honked" last goodbyes from our cars,

then started the drive to our own homes once more

with our memories bright as the stars!

 

Now it seems that sometimes we can actually see

the light from their mansion above;

may the Family of Man some day be as free

to feast at God's banquet of love!

 

~ John C. Bonser