7-Minute Poetry Challenge #11: Don't Be A Turkey!
Thanksgiving is here...or nearly here Gobble Gobble!
The way I learned it, this "Harvest Festival" has been celebrated in the U.S. since the Pilgrims survived that harsh winter of 1621 (with the help of friendly Wampanoag folk), and nationally on and off since 1789 when our 1st Pres, George requested a Congressional Proclamation. And, beginning in 1863 when our 16th Pres. Abe declared the last Thursday in November a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens", every year thereafter.
Sometime along the line--you'll have to do your own search to find out when exactly--the name was shortened and the date was changed to the 4th Thursday of November (Hence my earlier confusion.)
As the date became fixed, so have Thanksgiving Fixin's, which now "traditionally" include pie, stuffing, potatoes, corn, cranberry, gravy, and TURKEY! According to the official White House History website, dear Ole' Abe pardoned the first Thanksgiving Turkey in 1863. Ever since then presidents have been pardoning turkeys, thus leading to this week's 7-Minute Poetry Challenge Prompt:
Poetry Challenge #10
Pardon Me, Pleeease!
Pretend you are the Turkey. . . or the pumpkin, apple pie, potatoes, cranberries and any other food served on Thanksgiving. Write a poem about why you deserve to not be part of this year's feast. Begin with this first line: "Oh, please pardon me..." For extra credit make it rhyme.
For inspiration, here's mine. (We both know you can do better...gobble gobble.)
“Oh, please pardon me
I deserve it don’t you see?
Folks boil, whip and fry me,
A gratin, mash and smash me,
Some dice and slice me,
Others try to hash me.
I’d run if I could, but with no legs I’m too slow.
With so much more to eat,
No one will miss this lowly potato.
I’m dirty and knobby, oh please…
Let me go!”
*Cindy and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge more than 610 days ago. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge be sure to let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole dang poem, in the comments!