Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THANKSGIVING, by KATHARINE TYNAN



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THANKSGIVING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I thank god when I kneel to pray
Last Line: The safe, untroubled path I go.
Alternate Author Name(s): Hinkson, Katharine Tynan
Subject(s): Bourgeoisie; Comfort; God; Holidays; Pleasure; Prayer; Thanksgiving; Middle Class


I THANK God when I kneel to pray
That mine is still the middle way,

Set in a safe and sweet estate
Between the little and the great;

Not troubled with wealth's cares nor yet
Too poor, where needs that cark and fret

Push out sweet leisure and green nooks,
And give no chance for talk and books.

I take my middle way between
The mansion and a lodging mean.

My cottage at the country's edge
Hath sweetbriar growing in its hedge,

Honesty, heartsease, and sweet-peas,
Herb-Benet, love-in-idleness.

Give me a tree, a well, a hive,
And I can save my soul alive

Yet be as poor in spirit as
The Poverello's Lady was.

I covet not soft silk or lace
Nor any lovely lady's face;

Nor yet would go in hodden grey;
But lawns and wool be my array.

I still may ask a friend to dine
And set him meat and pour him wine;

Nor count the coins within my purse
To see that I am nothing worse.

I thank God that my middle place
Is set amid such pleasantness,

And not too high and not too low
The safe, untroubled path I go.





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