Thanksgiving Perspectives
It’s not a holiday for all.
Invaders starved, many had died,
Natives gifted them aid.
Pilgrims after, with greed conspired,
Their gracious help betrayed.
•
The masters bill of fare prepared.
Nate slurped and ate his mush.
Hoping some scraps above were spared.
bringing home to loved ones there.
•
A nation divided, thousands lay dead
Lincoln declares, “it’s done.”
“Thanksgivings splattered with men’s blood.”
Cry widows, daughters, and sons.
•
Rich scents of Turkey, ham, and roast
filled the windy alley.
Bent and cold, she nibbled a roll,
A normal day for Sally.
•
Mabel waited for the phone to ring
Her husband, two years passed.
She heated up a frozen meal,
Heirs gone, since Christmas last.
•
Young orphan Will, sat on the sill,
Macys parade strode past.
A family below, laughed, cajoled,
He yearned for love untold.
•
Sick on the ward, Miss Smith died twice,
Nurse Jones fought to save her life,
and wondered if her flock had met,
for the feast she had set.
•
Mansion lights blared, dining rooms glared,
Dozens, content, sipped wine,
A prayer said, “thankful, we’re blessed,”
their idolatry divine.
•
Thanksgiving, though it’s great for some.
There’s no joy for everyone.
We should strive to be reflective,
and respect each one’s perspective.
•
I’m not a grump, nor holiday chump,
but aware of historical truths.
We must, forgive, to end all hate,
use our words to change, persuade.
•
Thank you, all my dear Vocal friends.
For each story…
your life represents.
••• ••• •••
About the Creator
J. S. Wade
Since reading Tolkien in Middle school, I have been fascinated with creating, reading, and hearing art through story’s and music. I am a perpetual student of writing and life.
J. S. Wade owns all work contained here.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from J. S. Wade and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Voyeur's Incandescent Reasoning
The woman sat nonplussed, in the Waiting Room. In a sort of daze, looking straight ahead patiently. She had already had three small breakfast's that morning and a nip of sherry, this was not unusual she would typically wait until an hour after she took her anti-depressant and was her morning routine. She was merely following instructions she assured herself, shifted slightly in her seat and feeling a little heart burn thought, maybe she should skip lunch. Dom had said to have the task done this week. She was well used to his methods and desired to get this over and done with soon. She glanced at her watch, smiled weakly at the Receptionist who was there for a moment and then gone.
By Canuck Scriber L.Lachapelle Author7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (35)
Wonderful history lesson. We all need to remember to not be selfish. Great TS.
Oh, you poetically stated many of my thoughts - succinctly, creatively and truthfully. Nice job!
I love this so very very much. Thank you Mr. Wade. I am thankful for you. - An Indigenous Descendant
great one please visit my profile and subscribe it and leave comments for me
Very appreciative of the more comprehensive perspective rather than the mainstream stuff. My silent yearning is always "Dig deeper, uncover truths."
Well done! Keep pushing forward with your excellent work—congrats!
I sense that history is a name for the perpetual loop until enough of us break free and change it. Your poem captures this sentiment perfectly. Grateful for the chance to read it.
very nice
Love the lesson here and the reminder that the human condition is not perfect. Parts of history occurred to guarantee a future, parts of history keep us exactly where we are. Regardless, the concept of thanking each other and showing appreciation is and should be the focus. Unfortunately, it's not the same for the descendants who remember the origins of this day. I hope some of this made sense, lol. I've been doing my own celebrating by having a few beers. Cheers, Mr. Scott Wade. 🍻🥰
I feel history is simply a name for the perpetual loop everyone is stuck in until enough of us break free and change it. Your poem exemplifies that perfectly. Glad I had a chance to read it.
In working in the mental health field, it's prominent and frequent for me to know that Thanksgiving is not some jolly, family-filled, this-is-what-I'm-grateful-for holiday for everyone. In every example, you've captured just how many people died before this was some kind of celebratory holiday, and just how many others feel separated from the joy others have the privilege to feel. Much respect to you for writing this, and congratulations on Top Story.
Great poem, i feel the same way: Why does all of american history (that we are taught) read like a children’s story for six year olds? Its great that all the new channels for people to educate us on the real,complicated stories now exist. Johnny Harris has some great Videos about historical myths such as thanksgiving. And I never knew how the US took over Hawaii until recently https://youtube.com/@johnnyharris?si=j-OxOWg5mFNzBFZ7
So important to look at our past (and our present) with a critical eye. This is a strange thing to celebrate, but here we are still making the Turkey and cranberry sauce. Great poem!
Congrats on the TS
This was eye opening Scott, I feel like I knew this but had a block on it for some reason. History continues to be fascinating and it's even more fascinating what parts we choose to remember! Thank you for this enlightening piece and congrats on Top Story!
Thank you, Scott, for some stark reminders. Reflection was always a part of Thanksgiving when the family was "whole." I suppose it was ingrained prety deeply on the youngster I was then, because I find myself reflecting on most everything this time of year. It's not always pleasant, but it does help reset my perspective. Congratulations on a well deserved Top Story and may you have a blessed holiday.
This poetic expression carries a positive message of understanding and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of using words to foster change and unity. The playful tone with "grump" and "holiday chump" adds a lighthearted touch to the serious call for embracing historical truths and promoting love over hate.
Thank you Scott for sharing these truths and congratulations on the Top Story!
back to say congrats on the top story!
Congratulations!! 🎊
Congratulation On Top Story !!! Well Done, Scott!!!!
The public face we put on for the most part is, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." The reality for far too many is actually, "It's the most difficult time of the year." Many of them will choose to depart this life rather than face it. Many others will have that departure thrust upon them feeling all alone. Thank you for writing & sharing these reflections with us, J. S. We all should be mindful.
oh YES. This says it all, my friend.😢❤
a masterpeice
Bravo, you wrote quite a dramatic Thanksgiving poem, really highlighting not every holiday is one of cheer.