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Thanksgiving Poems

Whether you’re looking for a pre-meal toast, a way to give thanks, a scrap of American history, or a late-night conversation starter, these poems should provide ample stuffing.
Image of felt turkeys and pumpkins for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a unique holiday in the United States—a time to celebrate and acknowledge the help of family and friends, and a reminder of what a gift it is to be alive. It’s a day to overindulge in the here and now, even as we reflect on the past. In other words, it’s a great holiday for poetry. These poems show that the occasion has provided poets—from Harriet Maxwell Converse in the 19th century to Elizabeth Alexander in the 21st—with plenty of food for thought. Whether you’re looking for a pre-meal toast, a way to give thanks, a scrap of American history, or a late-night conversation starter, these poems should provide ample stuffing.

TOASTS AND PRAYERS
FAMILY, FOOD, AND FELLOWSHIP
GRATITUDE
THE SEASON
AUDIO AND PODCASTS