Thanks-Giving

Painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris

Thanks-Giving

“And now for the rest of the story.”
--Paul Harvey

As you gather with the clan,
sitting down elbow to elbow
for your turkey, sweet potatoes
and pumpkin pie, tell me--
what are you thankful for?

For the misery, unemployment,
and financial hardship rampant
at your neighbor’s or on CNN?

For the farmers who are pushed
into chemistry and technology
in order to compete, or who are paid
not to farm--avoiding ruin from the
weather, taxes, or the banks?

For the Native Americans, who
out of compassion, it is written,
shared their maze, standing in
our clearings like frightened children,
extending their hands in friendship,
insuring our very survival in this
hostile land, so that we could
rape, rob, beat, infect, destroy
or assimilate them?

For the fat tom-turkeys and hens
bred like idiot rabbits in tiny cages,
hopped up on hormones,
slaughtered like lemming all in line
to grace our holiday table?

For the new cars, new homes,
fancy wardrobes and art treasures
provided for our political and religious
leaders to enjoy with privileged aloofness?

The pilgrims brought God to the table,
the Indians open hands and hearts--
what do you bring?

Glenn Buttkus

November 2010

Would you like the Author to read this poem to you?