Friday, November 28, 2014

One is blessed being in the race

                                                                                                   Attribution: Ms Jones
Image: Almost Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner (here)
(Tender, juicy roast turkey - the main attraction - with old-fashioned 
gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, baked green beans, sweet 
and sour cod, steamed rice, achara (pickled green papaya relish)
apple crisp, punch and soda)

Note: In keeping with Thanksgiving 
to write a poem on being thankful

The breaking dawn strikes early
Cool and smooth as  mountain air
As in spring bright and breezy
Never a kind moment to spare

A thought for the homeless
Not with families but still not alone
Resigned to feeling hopeless
Such inequalities riding the storm

Is it not a privilege not in their shoes
Healthy,wealthy and wise seeking solace
To feel out the freedom to choose
One is blessed being in the race

A cushy job paying well to survive
To afford trappings to raise a family
Given to having privileges for a good life
And least of all not being a turkey

For Brian's hosting d'Verse MTB  - Thanksgiving 
Turkey with a side of Poetry and
Susan's at Poets United's Midweek Motif with -  gratitude


24 comments:

  1. i have spent a good bit of time around the homeless...used to help out at the shelters...pretty much anywhere i have lived i have...figure i have been one step away several times in life...and this life is not fair...one decision can leave you destitute...

    whatever you do to the least of these....

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  2. Some are blessed and some are not, you don't see a ton healthy wealthy and wise anymore, wise really went out the window lol

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  3. We are all one step away from the food lines

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  4. Well, certainly at this time of the year I am thankful for not being a turkey. Smiles.

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  5. I too am grateful for the roof on my head and the food on my plate.

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  6. i often think of the homeless too.. but many of the homeless people i have met foot to foot on the road dance walking in my metro area have this type of love for other people that never needs a dollar sign to be real...

    And when they are together there is no age race or gender that is not a friend as once again when there is less people do depend on the love of each other as flesh and blood much more again...

    Anyway... you write of a beautiful Thanksgiving wish here for the blessings in your life.. and looks like the food was very tasty as well..:)

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  7. Yes, a thought, and hopefully more than just a thought, for the homeless, while we are being thankful we should also be generous.

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  8. Hank,

    Thank you for sharing the joys and the meal for your Thanksgiving. A day when many recall those who have no positive image of any kind to share, or who are alone...An opportunity to consider the less fortunate..
    Hope you had a fine time and enjoyed the family time.

    Eileen

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  9. We encompass all at this time, no matter their conditions; let us all put our caring into action this holiday season and DO something that makes a difference to the homeless and the ill and less fortunate. Nice, Hank

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  10. Homeless.. Just the word gives me shivers.. There are so many people in the world in need of help and compassion - to be thankful for what we have is a minimum.

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  11. ha - yeah - thankful that i'm not a turkey... so over here in germany my chances to survive would be much better than in america as we're not celebrating thanksgiving over here... it is good to think of the homeless as well - esp. in a time of thanksgiving and provide them with food and shelter..

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  12. A terrific mix of pathos & levity; a nice balance, for yes, so many of us are fortunate, warm, fulfilled & filled with Thanksgiving left overs; makes me want to volunteer at a mission, or take turkey sandwiches in a search for those alone on the mean streets of Tacoma; nice job on the prompt.

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  13. It looks like you had a wonderful feast. So did I. But I also do think of those less fortunate and hope they have something for which to be grateful.

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  14. Inequality can be so depressing. All we need to do is try and stay positive.

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  15. Thanks for reminding us to be grateful for what we have. There are so many people in the world who are all alone, and suffering on the holidays. I found you at Pat's place, and I'm glad to be your newest follower.

    Julie

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  16. There is much to be thankful for and it is my hope that those who have will share a bit with those who do not by giving to local food pantries and remembering those who are homeless. Peace to you Hank...

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  17. Beautifully expressed Hank, its not a turkey's favoured time of year i would think.

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  18. It is so easy to forget, here in my comfortable life, how hard it is for many. Makes me ashamed of myself.

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  19. Thanks for posting Frank. You evoke a beautiful day and then embrace the homeless in contrast to both the speaker of the poem and others with chpice, cushiness, enough. To me, though I feel for the turkey too and got a laugh, that last line crashes the tome and sentiment of the poem. Or are you saying everyone but the turkey, no matter how homeless is "blessed to be in the race'?

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    1. Not a problem Susan! But a clarification though. I never had the thought of a turkey to a man but just plain turkey of Thanksgiving. Now that you've said it, it gives a new dimension to that ending. Thanks Ma'am!

      Hank

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  20. Wow, Hank. Every single stanza is packed with meaning. Especially consideration of the homeless and the thought of Thanksgiving in a country enjoying Springtime. Our world is so close now. Thanks for being you.

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