Thanksgiving - Repost

How can so few have so much -
so many have so little?
I am rich beyond belief
yet am not considered rich.
I count my riches daily:
the warmth of heart and
home, the patchy grass,
faded paint, rock garden
(each stone rolled by
my hands).  The heart,
she waves to me each morning
as I leave for work,
greets me on returning.
Other hearts, now scattered,
not too far away yet never
near enough, have left their
emptiness to fill the rooms.
I sit, well clothed, warm, and
free.  I am ever grateful for
this freedom, freedom to be,
freedom to be me, to love,
to sing, to speak my mind,
to write with passion of
passion.  And yet I ache for
those who know not freedom,
nor peace, nor joy, nor a
day of Thanksgiving.  I cry for
children who will not be
fed, nor cared for - not because
there is lack of caring - but
because the caring lacks
the backbone of freedom,
the hand of compassion,
the hope - of Thanksgiving.

John G. Lawless
11/28/2013
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Proxenos Avatar
December 18, 2022 at 1:08 AM
John this is such a moving poem, I agree we should count our blessings and pray for all who suffer especially in Africa, Eastern Countries and some South American and hope the world takes some action of this CONGRATULATIONS by the score fo this gem which was chosen as POTW, an immense honor. Hugs and Blessings, jENNIFER
La France Avatar
December 3, 2022 at 3:25 PM
John, a wonderful poem and congratulations on receiving this deserving POEM OF THE WEEK honor, blessings
Anaya Avatar
December 2, 2022 at 8:09 AM
Such a warm nature you possess, never lose it, beautiful! Congratulations on your POTW!
Fowler Avatar
November 29, 2022 at 7:36 AM
Wow - lovely, insightful, and compassionate. Congratulations on the honor of your POTW John! :)
George Avatar
November 28, 2022 at 12:27 AM
What a deep and sincere song of thankfulness..... your litany of small and great blessings and your compassionate heart that grieves over those who have very little to thank for have touched me so deeply ! Lovely penning John !
Nicole Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 5:37 PM
All because, "caring lacks the backbone of freedom, the hand of compassion." So much truth in this statement. "Little is much, when God is in it." This hymn is beautiful and the meaning touches my heart- just like these words from your pen. Congratulations John, on Poem of the Week. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy
Baker Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 9:31 AM
Well said, John. Congratulations on your POTW. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
La France Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 9:10 AM
John, your poem is beautiful and touched my heart. Congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE WEEK honor, blessings
Kitchin Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 5:19 AM
A beautiful poem, John! Congratulations on POTW!
Cunningham Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 1:17 AM
A verse of wisdom John, well deserving of POTW congratulations. Tom
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2022 at 7:16 PM
This is beautiful, John. I think I shall read it every day for the next month. Thanks, Gershon FAVE-time!
Bauer Avatar
November 23, 2022 at 1:29 PM
wow! this should be reposted every year, john! beautifully composed!
Boles Avatar
November 23, 2022 at 5:57 AM
Your honest lines can bring tears to those who can see, feel and taste the despair and loneliness of the deprived, and on the other end, exude such warmth and beauty to those who care. Excellent poem, John!
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