John Gondolf Poet Sonnet

Reflections On Thanksgiving

In late November fam’lies gather ‘round
to always celebrate Thanksgiving Day;
with feast on table, turkey golden browned,
they fold their hands pretending that they pray.

They gorge themselves with second helpings as
the food before them more than they can eat;
the shamelessness of feast affluence has,
and even fam’ly dog will get a treat.

Yet, as this fam’ly feasts, on corner stands
a shabby homeless man with homemade sign
and tin cup held so tightly in his hands,
“Will work for money so that I can dine.”

Perhaps it’s time to view our soul’s good health
and with mankind forever share our wealth.



October 18, 2018

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Curtis Moorman October 31, 2019 at 7:23 AM John, I am late in getting around to reading some of the great poems by some of the greatest poets on Soup. You did not disappoint me, my friend. Your sentimentality underscores the plight of many who are homeless or in dire need. If we count our own Blessings, we will not ignore those less fortunate. Your heart is in the right place and it serves as a reminder to all who read this marvelous poem. Thank you, my friend! John Gondolf November 1, 2019 at 4:39 AM Thanks for taking the time to read some of my older poems, Curtis. I appreciate your thoughts on this Thanksgiving poem. I think many times we get caught up in our own lives that we forget there are many around us that truly need our help. Have a great day my friend. John

Joyce Johnson October 27, 2018 at 9:27 PM Very nice. I wish all could dine as well on Thanksgiving. Love, Joyce John Gondolf October 27, 2018 at 10:49 PM Thank you so much, Joyce, I appreciate your comments and visit. John

Connie Marcum Wong October 27, 2018 at 3:44 PM Your lovely poem conveys a humble heart John. We have wonderful dinners provided here in Hawaii by donations and volunteers for the homeless to gather and have a free meal with companionship and entertainment and love. Thanksgiving and Christmas. I loved your winning poem. Congratulations! : ) John Gondolf October 27, 2018 at 5:15 PM Thank you so much, Connie, I’m glad you liked it. I appreciate you and your comments. John

Deb Radke October 27, 2018 at 2:22 PM Congratulations on your win with this thought-provoking sonnet. It does indeed remind us that amidst the affluence and abundance there are those who have none. You said this so well with this beautiful writing. Best wishes. Deb John Gondolf October 27, 2018 at 3:04 PM Thank you so much, Deb, I appreciate it. John

Rob Carmack October 27, 2018 at 1:07 AM Loving the contrast in this, congrats John. John Gondolf October 27, 2018 at 9:50 AM Thanks, Rob, I'm glad you enjoyed it. John

Tom Cunningham October 27, 2018 at 12:53 AM Back with congratulations John, well done. Tom. John Gondolf October 27, 2018 at 8:58 AM Thanks, Tom, I appreciate it. John

Carolyn Devonshire October 26, 2018 at 11:39 PM Your sonnet reminds us that not everyone shares in the wealth of festivities over the holidays, John. Congratulations on your win in a highly competitive contest. Hugs, Carolyn John Gondolf October 27, 2018 at 8:56 AM Thank you my friend, I appreciate it. I agree, I enjoyed reading the many really wonderful sonnets in your contest, thank you for hosting it! All the best. John

Andrea Dietrich October 20, 2018 at 11:32 PM a very thoughtful sonnet on the coming season when we give thanks. It truly is a shame to think so many are suffering at the same time. John Gondolf October 22, 2018 at 4:18 AM Thank you, Andrea, I appreciate it. John

Heidi Sands October 19, 2018 at 5:47 PM A great poem about giving and reaching out however we can. Well written and touching, John :) John Gondolf October 22, 2018 at 4:16 AM Thank you, Heidi.

Constance La France October 18, 2018 at 2:18 PM John, your poem touched my heart deeply. I see it all the time in my city, even though there are suppose to be soup kitchens and whatever for the poor ~ John Gondolf October 18, 2018 at 2:34 PM Thank you for your thoughts, Constance, it would make such a difference in the world if everyone would do their part to help, we shouldn't have to rely on the government to do so. But, alas, we can't control what others do, only ourselves. You truly do have a dear heart. John

Tom Cunningham October 18, 2018 at 11:40 AM Well written thought provoking verse John, its a sad world that while we have more food than we can eat many are wondering where their next meal is coming from. Tom. John Gondolf October 18, 2018 at 11:46 AM Thank you, Tom, we must always remember those in need. John

Brandy Nicole October 18, 2018 at 10:40 AM Your thoughts hold so much truth. While many are enjoying moments of plenty- there are so many that don't have any. Anything to eat, a place to sleep. It is so sad. A cheerful heart gives to those in need. You have a good heart John. ~ Brandy John Gondolf October 18, 2018 at 11:05 AM Thank you for your kind comments, Brandy, I have been very blessed in my life, far more than I deserve, and I never take that for granted. I think you have a beautiful heart as well dear friend. John

Jesse Rowe October 18, 2018 at 7:45 AM Ouch. Some stinging observations in this piece. John Gondolf October 18, 2018 at 8:02 AM Thanks, Jesse, I don't believe it's as bad as my sonnet makes it sound but at the same time, we do need to remember the less fortunate. John