American Thanksgiving (1621)

Passengers in England boarded the Mayflower
To cross the Atlantic for the New World.
To escape religious persecution
For worshipping God as they saw fit
With separation of Church and state, God and King.

They suffered hardship that first winter
Off Plymouth Rock in the holds of the Mayflower
Thankful for provisions provided by Native Americans.
And with Spring’s arrival the survivors emerged
To established a settlement in Plymouth, New England.

They tilled the soil and sowed seeds
Of Indian corn, squash and beans
Engaging techniques taught by First Nation’s People.
And hunted venison, geese and wild turkey
And gathered and fished the sea’s bounty,

And that first autumn reaped a successful harvest
In brimming full root cellars, barns and pantries.
A joyous celebration followed with Wampanoag in attendance
And food, spread out on tables for consumption
With prayers of thanksgiving given
For the successful growing season.