Gettin' together to smile an' rejoice, <br /> An' eatin' an' laughin' with folks of your choice; <br /> An' kissin' the girls an' declarin' that they <br /> Are growin' more beautiful day after day; <br /> Chattin' an' braggin' a bit with the men, <br /> Buildin' the old family circle again; <br /> Livin' the wholesome an' old-fashioned cheer, <br /> Just for awhile at the end of the year. <br /> Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door <br /> And under the old roof we gather once more <br /> Just as we did when the youngsters were small; <br /> Mother's a little bit grayer, that's all. <br /> Father's a little bit older, but still <br /> Ready to romp an' to laugh with a will. <br /> Here we are back at the table again <br /> Tellin' our stories as women an' men. <br /> <br /> Bowed are our heads for a moment in prayer; <br /> Oh, but we're grateful an' glad to be there. <br /> Home from the east land an' home from the west, <br /> Home with the folks that are dearest an' best. <br /> Out of the sham of the cities afar <br /> We've come for a time to be just what we are. <br /> Here we can talk of ourselves an' be frank, <br /> Forgettin' position an' station an' rank. <br /> <br /> Give me the end of the year an' its fun <br /> When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done; <br /> Bring all the wanderers home to the nest, <br /> Let me sit down with the ones I love best, <br /> Hear the old voices still ringin' with song, <br /> See the old faces unblemished by wrong, <br /> See the old table with all of its chairs <br /> An' I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/thanksgiving/
