Suggestive programs for special day exercises/Thanksgiving Day/Pen Picture of the First Thanks-giving
PEN PICTURE OF THE FIRST THANKSGIVING DAY.
'Tis the morn of the first Thanksgiving,
The air it is crisp and cold.
The snow lies in drifts in the highways,
The wind is cutting and bold.
From each lowly hut and cottage
Unto the house of prayer.
With rifles upon their shoulders
The pilgrims assemble there.
The dark, dreary winter is ended.
The spring with its soft, gentle rain.
And the warm sunny days of the summer
Had ripened the much needed grain.
Now each garner is bursting with plenty,
Each heart, too, is filled with great joy.
This winter no famine will haunt them.
No terror their thoughts will employ.
In the bleak little church in the village
Are gathered stern men and fair maids.
Their praises are joyfully ringing
And echo o'er high hills and glades.
Thus passed the first day of Thanksgiving,
With thanks that e'er came from the heart;
And no matter how humble his station,
Each person in them took his part.