14 Meaningful Thanksgiving Poems

Poems about Thanksgiving express a sense of gratitude and celebration, encapsulating the spirit of this cherished holiday. These verses express appreciation for life’s blessings, from bountiful feasts to cherished moments spent with loved ones.

They often paint images of warmth, family gatherings, and the joys of shared laughter around the dinner table. Poems about Thanksgiving may also reflect on the historical significance of the holiday, acknowledging the Native American and Pilgrim roots.

For a curated list, check out our top picks for Thanksgiving poems.

Poems about Thanksgiving Visual Representation

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 93/100

Thanksgiving Day

by Lydia Maria Child

‘Thanksgiving Day’ by Lydia Maria Child celebrates tradition, family, and the joy of coming together for the holiday.

This poem explores the topic of thanksgiving by portraying a family's journey to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones. The repetition of "Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!" and references to traditional Thanksgiving treats like pudding and pumpkin pie emphasize the theme of gratitude and the joy of coming together to give thanks. The poem conveys that Thanksgiving is a time for appreciating family, tradition, and the blessings of togetherness.

Over the river, and through the wood,

To grandfather's house we go;

The horse knows the way

To carry the sleigh

Through the white and drifted snow.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 92/100

A Thanksgiving Dinner

by Maude M. Grant

Maude M. Grant’s poem celebrates Thanksgiving with rich imagery, emphasizing abundance and sensory delights in a traditional feast.

This poem directly addresses the topic of Thanksgiving by portraying the various elements and traditions of the holiday meal. It captures the essence of Thanksgiving by highlighting the importance of coming together with loved ones, giving thanks for the year's blessings, and celebrating the abundance of food. The poem serves as a culinary ode to the spirit of this cherished American holiday.

Take a turkey, stuff it fat,

Some of this and some of that.

Get some turnips, peel them well.

Cook a big squash in its shell.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 92/100

I’m Thankful for Turkey

by Kenn Nesbitt

‘I’m Thankful for Turkey’ by Kenn Nesbitt celebrates Thanksgiving, as the speaker joyfully lists diverse dishes, conveying gratitude, indulgence, and familial bonds through vivid imagery.

Thanksgiving is a very important topic at work in this poem. It's seen in the title and throughout the body of the poem. The poet chose to focus on the many different things a young reader would have to give thanks for on this holiday.

I’m thankful for turkey.

I’m thankful for yams.

I’m thankful for cranberries,

biscuits, and hams.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 90/100

Thanksgiving Day Parade

by Jack Prelutsky

‘Thanksgiving Day Parade’ celebrates holiday spirit amid challenges, evoking joy, resilience, and nostalgia through whimsical imagery.

This poem directly addresses the topic of Thanksgiving by framing the entire narrative around the holiday celebration. It portrays the excitement, joy, and resilience of individuals who gather to mark this special occasion. The arrival of Santa Claus symbolizes the transition from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season, emphasizing the tradition of celebrating gratitude and togetherness during this important American holiday.

Thanksgiving Day is here today,

the great parade is under way,

and though it's drizzling quite a bit,

I'm sure that I'll see all of it.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 86/100

Thanksgiving

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s ‘Thanksgiving’ urges gratitude for hidden blessings and mindfulness in the pursuit of joy amidst worries.

The poem addresses the topic of thanksgiving by emphasizing the importance of actively expressing gratitude for life's blessings. It encourages readers to recognize and appreciate both the common and hidden joys that surround them daily. The poem portrays thanksgiving as a transformative force capable of turning sorrow into enduring joy. It suggests that gratitude should be an ongoing theme in one's life, culminating in a grand chorus of thanksgiving during significant moments like Thanksgiving itself.

We walk on starry fields of white

And do not see the daisies;

For blessings common in our sight

We rarely offer praises.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 86/100

Thanksgiving in the Anthropocene

by Craig Santos Perez

‘Thanksgiving in the Anthropocene’ critiques traditions, urging reflection on environmental impact and social injustices, invoking discomfort, empathy, and contemplation in readers.

'Thanksgiving in the Anthropocene' reimagines the traditional notion of Thanksgiving in the context of the Anthropocene, where human activities have significantly impacted the environment. It explores themes of gratitude, but with a focus on environmental stewardship and the responsibility we have for the Earth, emphasizing the need to protect and give thanks for our fragile planet.

Thank you, instant mashed potatoes, your bland taste

makes me feel like an average American. Thank you,

incarcerated Americans, for filling the labor shortage

and packing potatoes in Idaho. Thank you, canned

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 84/100

Thanksgiving Comes But Once a Year

by Thornton Burgess

‘Thanksgiving Comes But Once a Year’ by Thornton W. Burgess joyfully captures the essence of gratitude and the anticipation of the holiday season.

This poem tackles the topic of thanksgiving by celebrating the abundance and joy brought by the occasion. The speaker expresses gratitude for the harvest, emphasizing the significance of the holiday. The poem underscores the essence of giving thanks, portraying Thanksgiving as a time to acknowledge life's blessings, fostering a sense of appreciation and gratitude.

Thanksgiving comes but once a year,

But when it comes it brings good cheer.

For in my storehouse on this day

Are piles of good things hid away.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 84/100

Thanksgiving Prayer

by Susan D. Anderson

In ‘Thanksgiving Prayer,’ Susan D. Anderson humorously celebrates family amidst quirks, contrasting gratitude with turkey’s fate.

The poem directly engages with the topic of Thanksgiving by expressing gratitude for family. It aligns the traditional theme of giving thanks with a humorous twist, acknowledging the blessings of familial bonds while humorously contrasting them with the fate of turkeys on Thanksgiving. This interaction underscores the unique perspective that the holiday offers, blending humor and heartfelt appreciation for both family and the holiday itself.

I’m thankful for my mother, and

I’m thankful for my dad.

I’m thankful for my sisters, and

for all the fun we’ve had.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 75/100

A Thanksgiving to God, for his House

by Robert Herrick

In ‘A Thanksgiving to God, for his House,’ Robert Herrick expresses profound gratitude for simple blessings, highlighting divine providence.

This poem explores the topic of thanksgiving by expressing profound gratitude for life's simple blessings. The speaker repeatedly acknowledges God's benevolence, and each stanza is filled with thanks for the most basic aspects of life, like shelter, sustenance, and contentment. The poem underscores the importance of offering thanks as a way to nurture spiritual connection and recognize the divine in everyday experiences, encouraging a sense of thanksgiving in the reader.

Lord, Thou hast given me a cell

Wherein to dwell,

A little house, whose humble roof

Is weather-proof:

#10

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 70/100

A Thanksgiving Poem

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

In grateful hymns, Dunbar lauds God’s mercy, human flaws, and divine abundance in a harmonious ode.

'A Thanksgiving Poem’ delves into the topic of Thanksgiving by expressing profound gratitude to God. The poet gives thanks for a bountiful harvest and acknowledges divine protection from adversity. The poem emphasizes the act of offering thanks and praise to God, highlighting the importance of humility and devotion in expressing gratitude. It serves as a reminder of the significance of Thanksgiving as a time to reflect on blessings and acknowledge the source of abundance in our lives.

The sun hath shed its kindly light,

Our harvesting is gladly o’er

Our fields have felt no killing blight,

Our bins are filled with goodly store.

#11

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 59/100

Water

by Philip Larkin

In his poem ‘Water’ Philip Larkin reveals spirituality and mainly purification and renewal as well as the possibility to proceed with enlightenment through the title’s symbol – water.

The readers are urged to infer the idea of thanksgiving when reading the poem because of the representation of rituals linked to thankfulness and purification. The action of lifting a glass of water to the East also indicates an act of recognizing the blessings and changes in a personal’s life. Namely, Larkin’s images cause one to ponder the credo of thanksgiving that is often incorporated into the practices about spirituality, to emphasize the aspect of blessing that is associated with purity and renewal that results from faith.

If I were called in

To construct a religion

I should make use of water.

Going to church

#12

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 40/100

The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven

by Jack Prelutsky

In ‘The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven,’ a culinary catastrophe turns comical as a turkey’s unconventional escape leads to hilarious mayhem.

While 'The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven' doesn't directly focus on Thanksgiving, it indirectly touches on the topic by depicting the chaotic aftermath of cooking a turkey. The poem humorously captures the anticipation and preparation that often accompany Thanksgiving dinners, highlighting the potential mishaps and unexpected chaos that can disrupt such celebrations. It serves as a playful reminder of the importance of proper cooking and preparation during festive occasions.

Take a turkey, stuff it fat,

Some of this and some of that.

Get some turnips, peel them well.

Cook a big squash in its shell.

#13

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 35/100

Thankful

by Mandy Cidlik

Amidst omitted celebrations, ‘Thankful’ by Mandy Cidlik prompts reflection on life’s essence beyond material symbols, inviting genuine gratitude.

This Mandy Cidlik poem indirectly addresses Thanksgiving by highlighting the importance of gratitude and contentment. It prompts readers to consider the absence of conventional symbols associated with the holiday, such as gifts and candy, redirecting focus towards appreciating life itself. This message aligns with the essence of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the value of recognizing and giving thanks for life's blessings.

No ghosts or goblins and trick-or-treats,

No candy or flowers for your sweets.

#14

PDF Guide

One day is there of the series

by Emily Dickinson

‘One day is there of the series’ by Emily Dickinson explores the holiday Thanksgiving and how its celebrated in America.

One day is there of the series

Termed "Thanksgiving Day"

Celebrated part at table

Part in memory -

Home » Collection » Poems about Thanksgiving

14 Meaningful Thanksgiving Poems

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links

14 Meaningful Thanksgiving Poems

by Lydia Maria Child

by Maude M. Grant

by Kenn Nesbitt

by Jack Prelutsky

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

by Craig Santos Perez

by Thornton Burgess

by Susan D. Anderson

by Robert Herrick

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

by Philip Larkin

by Jack Prelutsky

by Mandy Cidlik

Narrow Your Search

We Look Deep into Poetry

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links