What a pity it would surely be

to be an atheist on Thanksgiving.

Bound by custom, forced to see

all that…no one?…has given me?

* * * * *

To pause and count the gifts and days,

the moments full of cheer,

without a voice or prayer of praise

with thanks for all that’s dear

* * * * *

A table spread with hearty fare

surrounded by dear faces

but Who to thank for all that’s there

when none gives their graces?

* * * * *

A warm meal served for hearts grown cold

with no God to thank, no Truth to hold.

Fellowship with kin, but not with Him,

the peace of Christ, far from them.

* * * * *

It’s not the bounty, nor the gold

but Who we thank for what we hold.

For riches here will fade away

while thanks to God should always stay.

* * * * *

What a pity it would surely be

to be an atheist on Thanksgiving.

Bound by custom, forced to see

all that…no one?…has given me?

* * * * *

What else could I call that,

and what else could that be;

to be an atheist on Thanksgiving

is a woeful tragedy.

* * * * *

~Matthew