Thanksgiving is a time we are thankful
for what we've got.
For the food on the table and what
harvest hath brought.
Thanksgiving to some is  a cold,
autumn day.
Yet to be thankful quietly they
say.
Thanksgiving is remembered usually
with gourds, leaves, and turkey dinners.
Praising God even as sinners.
The wine is poured and some drink up.
Just remember who fills your cup.
Thanksgiving is time to be happy
and a time to celebrate.
Memories of mother saying.." come for dinner-
don't be late."
The table set and people feast and dine.
As one says.." pour me another glass of wine."
"Cheers to all and another year of shelter, clothes,
and food to eat."  Yells one.  
Harvest time hath been good, but still isn't
quite done.
Thanksgiving is more than that to me.
I'm thankful for God's blessings everyday-
I see.
Its more than food and a pumpkin pie,
latte, or cake.
Its about the love that Jesus brings for
what is real and not fake.
He died and rose again for our sins,
and another year is almost through.
Thanksgiving is a way of reflecting the past
and be thankful for what's new.
I took a walk one thanksgiving afternoon and
saw a poor man begging for at least a dime.
His clothes were worn out, and I gave him
a dollar and a rhyme.
He smiled at me and said..."Bless your soul,
I wish more cared like you." he cries.
As I walk away I notice a teardrop in his
eyes.
Thanksgiving is a time when we should be more
than thankful than one day, but to have a loving heart.
Be thankful for what each day brings and not just one day
in the year that taketh part.

Sherri Harder

Strength is getting back up
when life knocks you down.
learning to cope when all you have
is a frown.
Strength is learning to fly in the dark
when there is no flame.
When all else fails, but someone
whispers your name.
Strength is not being scared
when things get tough.
Its learning to cry, hurt, and still
find the humour when people
are rough.
Strength isn't giving up hope and
always saying goodbye like a passing
lesson or two.
Strength is sticking through, and standing
by with possibilities too.
Nothing is easy and some run away
with fear.
Strength is standing your ground
and saying despite differences,
you'll always be there.
Strength is not always how much muscle
you have or how much you train.
It is having courage to be strong
even through pain.

For the train goes by so fast
full steam ahead.
The engine powerfully in charge with the box cars
being led.
The conductor blows the horn
as its coming around the bend.
As the conductor yells " I hope there
ain't nothing in the way,  for some things
I cannot mend. "
As he grins and sips his coffee listening to another
"chug-a-chug-a-choo-choo,"  he thinks of things he's
seen gone by and remembers with nostalgia,
boo-hoo.  
  As the train will soon approach with the sound of
rolling wheels on the track,
like a rhythm of a song as it sings
"clickity-clack, clickity-clack."
The box-cars roll and caboose will
trail,
while the engine slows and does not
fail.
Time to help the passengers off with their
luggage and their cases.
Then another trip departs soon from the station
as its engine speeds up and races.

How come when people cry,
others that see them just keep walking by?
Where is heart and where is soul?
Is it a lost art and no more a goal?
Some may have hidden their pain inside,
with bitter, angry foolish pride.
Maybe they are fatherless or grew up poor,
maybe they are ill, resentful and sore.
Why do some hit, hurt and lie?
Why do some not even care to question why?
Scars and bruises wither away,
to see the light of a new day.
Why do some not care in an age so informative?
Maybe some are just too insensitive.

I will try to stay optimistic today.
I will seek God with love and pray.
I will not let others bring me down.
I will rise against and smile without a frown.
I will not fall, yet I will stand.
I will hold on to Jesus's hand.
I will not quit and I will fight.
I will pray and hold on to what is right.
I will in the Lord forever in Him hail.
I will survive and will prevail!

Fast, windy, noisy,
such as the wind at sea.
light, wispy, fluttering,
as a bird to be.
frantically, busily, swaying
are the leaves blowing in the air
as the storm briskly rolls through
just like a running stallion or mare
last raindrops drip and
trinkle down,
like little trinkets to the ground.
As darkness leaves and
now is bright
from dark to grey and now clouds white.
From thunderous claps and echo's gone.
A rainbow prevails as this painting's dawn.
A new day gone and another sigh'
with a poetic painting 'the storm gone by'

Melody maker
with joyous sound.
Melody maker
dance, skip, and float around.
Melody maker
rhythm and blues.
Melody maker
musical hues.
Melody maker
sing me a song.
Melody maker
I'll dance along.
Melody maker
swing, jazz, or tap
Melody maker
hip, hop and rap.
Melody maker
acoustic, band, or lullaby.
melody maker
don't your gift deny.
melody maker
heartbeat and dance.
melody maker
words are not trance.
melody maker
hear my words drum a beat.
melody maker
feel the rhythm, passion, and heat.
melody maker
harmony
melody maker
I whisper these notes to you of poetry.

When I am lost and all else seems to fail,
you are the strength in me to gently sail.
When at times I am sad or lost,
you give me light-like sunshine to frost.
In darkest hours to a long hard day,
I turn to you as I kneel down to pray.
You give me shelter from the storms at night.
I know you're there watching over with your love so bright.
When I am lost I know there are angels watching over me.
Through the times so hard to see.
When I am lost there is only you.
Guiding me and seeing me through.

Looking up at the sky so beautiful tonight.
Feeling so much love in this time and space
so right.
The symphony plays of harmonious chords,
while writing my thoughts with poetical words.
Seeing the stars twinkle like diamonds of
jewellery.
Sparkling, magical, feeling happy.
Wish this feeling would stay and never end.
As the sky drapes its paintings of orchestras,
beauty, to lend.