The Birth of Tradition

The Pilgrims were so happy to finally set foot on Plymouth Rock,
They decided that the time had come for each to take some stock.

They built themselves a Pilgrim town of houses and very little more,
Then they sent the women out to get groceries at the Pilgrim store.

Pilgrims lived in a time when it was thought that only women ever shop,
They weren’t very enlightened and men would never make that stop.

While the girls were at the store the men invited the Indians over for lunch,
So as soon as the women got home they had to go get more to munch.

The men started to toss an old pumpkin around that was long and kinda tall,
Then they played shirts against the skins in a game they named football.

While the women worked to prepare a feast, the men all went for a walk,
With buckled hats and feathered plumes their parade was all the talk.

The women wanted revenge so they picked cranberries to make an awful sauce,
Then they made the men eat it the stuff just to show them who was boss.

Then there came a heated discussion whether to use sweet potatoes or yams,
Then a second argument broke out about the use of turkey meat or hams.

It all seemed to calm back down when the Indian cornbread was finally tried,
And the Indians really liked the green beans topped with onions that were fried.

And when the day was done and the guests took home the left over feast,
The men cleaned up the dishes, since it’s what women liked to do the least.

This is how they all came together and invented the first Thanksgiving,
It gave them strength to continue on with the hard life they were living.

The Native Americans went back to their home and were grateful for so much,
“But next year,” they said, “let’s tell the English it’s our year to visit with the Dutch.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
November 20, 2011 at 12:27 AM
Ole John Wayne was always talkin to the pilgrims, nah they didn't come from Deniliquian, thats down south in Aussie mate, just turn left on the interstate... great poem mate....Don
Jones Avatar
November 18, 2011 at 6:01 PM
hadn't thought of shirts and skins in many years. brings up fond memories that didn't turn into tradition for reasons of story too long to tell here. in other news, would love to give thanks in amsterdam!
Maverick Avatar
November 17, 2011 at 1:17 PM
I've enjoyed the many facets and humor you have injected into this write Tony..! yours Joe..
Minardi Avatar
November 12, 2011 at 4:01 AM
This one, too! Are you a comedian?
Lane Avatar
November 12, 2011 at 6:26 AM
No ma'am I'm a chemist.
Kendrick Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Enjoyed reading your very creative and descriptive work..I got a chuckle or two..If for a contest good luck..Reads like winning material to me..Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting on my work..Sara
Horne Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 11:08 AM
LOL, you always give me a good laugh
Horsman Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 10:55 AM
awesome, Tony, love the humour, and the theme. Harry
Devonshire Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 10:39 AM
:) Trying to imagine the Pilgrims playing football, but my mind just won't go there, Tony. Very funny how the women take out their revenge by making the men eat cranberry sauce. I've yet to see a man wash a dish, but I really got a kick out of the Native Americans' response at the end. Some of the best food ever made comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch country. The Native Americans made a wise decision. LOL Love, Carolyn
Lane Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Men washing the dishes after Thanksgiving dinner was a tradition in my family. I've always hated cranberry sauce but we found some at a specialty shop near us and it is delicious. I think all Thanksgivings had football and parades. You can look it up. Tony
Onclaud Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 8:43 AM
you mean dutch treat? lol, you gave me gas pain, tony.. when will you stop ( kidding)...inimitable! :) huggs
Lane Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 12:07 PM
I've always wanted to be inimitable. Tony
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 7:50 AM
Oh boy I haven't stopped laughing yet. well done xx
Macmillan Avatar
November 10, 2011 at 5:49 AM
Tony, Last line kills! Duct tape silences laughs. Baby still asleep. I get to make coffee now. I hope before she tackles me. Might I ask, how old are you? I'm 45. My tot is 2. I feel 79 today. How about you? I picture you as 8! :-) Hugs, Cyndi
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