Monday, November 22, 2021

Squanto



image from wikipedia.com 

Squanto


“I am Squanto, known to all of you. As we gather 

here I give thanks for all our people to the Creator

of All Things.”--Squanto.


400 years ago, more than half the Pilgrims, who 

came to the New World on the Mayflower, perished 

from malnutrition and disease. Enter Squanto, the

last of the Patuxet, to save the day, to pave the way. 

He had been taken as a slave by the Spanish, and 

then lived in England for years; so he spoke English. 

He was a translator for the friendly Wampanoag tribe. 

They taught the Pilgrims how to farm, introducing them

to corn, teaching them how to fish and hunt in this

wild new land. Deer and wild turkey were plentiful.


In October 1621, they held a “Thanksgiving” 

festival; not a new concept, but in that place and

that time, it was brand new. It was attended by 90

Indians and 53 settlers. They had no ovens, so they

cooked the “native” way, on spits over open fire pits.

They had no sugar, so there were no desserts. 

Potatoes and corn were cooked on sticks. The menu

was heavy with turkey and venison, but they also had

lobster and swan and seal. 


This unity, peace, and brotherhood, unfortunately, was

not prolific in the Colonies. Perhaps it was Providence

that Squanto appeared, or perhaps just blind luck, but

I am thankful for the kindness and fellowship that 

helped to launch this nation. Sadly, today it is a rare

commodity, a true sharing that is sorely missed.


That first Thanksgiving

was a success, those following

have shown much less heart.



Glenn Buttkus


Haibun


Posted over at d'Verse Poet's Pub

8 comments:

Dwight L. Roth said...

A great historic Haibun. It is amazing how the greed of man supercedes friendships made.
I am thankful for all I have, but as you say, sad at times how I got my place at the expence of Native Americans.

Callsign Santa said...

Sincerely fascinating. A historical haibun, which may be a new genre.

robkistner said...

Fascinating Glenn — but in the end we fucked it all up. Wonder where they got the marshmallows? 🤔🦃🛼

Gillena Cox said...

WOW!!! A haibun packed with history and meaning

Thanks for dropping by to read mine

Much💛love

indybev said...

A bit of history to remind us how far we've strayed. Thanks for reminding us, Glenn.

brudberg said...

One day per year is probably not enough... and even that is hard to for many...

A Reading Writer said...

this is informative and ends with such a bang. that last line.

ben Alexander said...

Glenn - you really got to the core of my reservations regarding this holiday... In truth, it's also the same for many holidays - the history gets lost to those who never experienced it.

Yours,
David [ben Alexander]