Home » Poems » John Gondolf » Reflections On Thanksgiving

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

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Curtis Moorman

Date: 10/31/2019 7:23:00 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
Date: 11/1/2019 4:39:00 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

Date: 10/27/2018 9:27:00 PM

Very nice. I wish all could dine as well on Thanksgiving. Love, Joyce

John Gondolf
Date: 10/27/2018 10:49:00 PM

Thank you so much, Joyce, I appreciate your comments and visit. John

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/27/2018 3:44:00 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
Date: 10/27/2018 5:15:00 PM

Thank you so much, Connie, I’m glad you liked it. I appreciate you and your comments. John

Deb Radke

Date: 10/27/2018 2:22:00 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
Date: 10/27/2018 3:04:00 PM

Thank you so much, Deb, I appreciate it. John

Rob Carmack

Date: 10/27/2018 1:07:00 AM

Loving the contrast in this, congrats John.

John Gondolf
Date: 10/27/2018 9:50:00 AM

Thanks, Rob, I'm glad you enjoyed it. John

Tom Cunningham

Date: 10/27/2018 12:53:00 AM

Back with congratulations John, well done. Tom.

John Gondolf
Date: 10/27/2018 8:58:00 AM

Thanks, Tom, I appreciate it. John

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 10/26/2018 11:39:00 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
Date: 10/27/2018 8:56:00 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

Date: 10/20/2018 11:32:00 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
Date: 10/22/2018 4:18:00 AM

Thank you, Andrea, I appreciate it. John

Heidi Sands

Date: 10/19/2018 5:47:00 PM

A great poem about giving and reaching out however we can. Well written and touching, John :)

John Gondolf
Date: 10/22/2018 4:16:00 AM

Thank you, Heidi.

Constance La France

Date: 10/18/2018 2:18:00 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
Date: 10/18/2018 2:34:00 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

Date: 10/18/2018 11:40:00 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
Date: 10/18/2018 11:46:00 AM

Thank you, Tom, we must always remember those in need. John

Brandy Nicole

Date: 10/18/2018 10:40:00 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
Date: 10/18/2018 11:05:00 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

Date: 10/18/2018 7:45:00 AM

Ouch. Some stinging observations in this piece.

John Gondolf
Date: 10/18/2018 8:02:00 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