Hard, hard it is, this anxious autumn,
To lift the heavy mind from its dark forebodings;
To sit at the bright feast, and with ruddy cheer,
Give thanks for the harvest of a troubled year.
From the apprehensive present, from a future packed
With unknown dangers, monstrous, terrible and new—
Let us turn for comfort to this simple fact:
We have been in trouble before . . . and we came through.
~ Edna St. Vincent Millay
(Thanksgiving…1950)
Amen. Wishing you a day of gratitude with loved ones close by. 💕
It was. Thank you, Eliza. 🙏
Perfect sentiment. Thank you. Bless you and yours.
Thank you, Anna. 🙏
This poem says it all Barbara. I’ve been thinking of you today and knowing how difficult it will be for this first holiday gathering, but I’m glad there are family members there to surround you with love and for that you can be grateful.
It was difficult without Tim, but also being with family filled me with love and gratitude. Thank you, Linda. 🙏
You are so good at pulling together very meaningful posts. The photos and poem you used in this post are perfect for this difficult year.
Thank you, Sheryl. 🙏 I was surprised by how my search for the ‘perfect’ poem turned one up that matched my latest photos and mood so well.
This holiday season must be so difficult for you. I’m so sorry. The poem is very expressive, as are the photos you chose.
Thank you, Karma. I can’t say it’s been easy but it’s been full of love and shared grief. Poets have a way of letting us know we’re not alone in our feelings.
Thank you for sharing! You know those times when someone shares a writing to help to express their ineffable moments that another can magically see just at the right time for them to identify. The gift of a small moment of the peace of well being in understanding and knowing. Peace with you!
Thank you, Elisa! I turn to poetry a lot when I’m at a loss to find my own words to describe my feelings and experiences. When I find such beautiful expressions it comforts me to know I share the same ecstasies and agonies other human beings encounter in this difficult world. May peace be with you, too!