Happy Thanksgiving!

"They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere

When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here-

Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,

And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;

But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze

Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days

Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock-

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock." James Whitcomb Riley

One of the poems that I remember learning in grammar school is this poem by James Whitcomb Riley. It always comes to mind at this time of the year.

"James Whitcomb Riley, America's Children's Poet and the poet of the Hoosier people wherever they may be around the world. Riley is, you see, the "Hoosier Poet". "Hoosier" is not just a name for Indiana folk. No, it is the name for people who are humble before God and hardworking despite suffering all that life throws at them. They are sympathetic with the plight of others and tolerant beyond measure of race, creed, gender, orientation or social status. Each Hoosier keeps an eye out for trouble but hopes and prays that none hits him or her. The themes of the poetry of a "hoosier Poet" reflect this kenotic outlook." http://www.jameswhitcombriley.com/