Poems (Kennedy)/Thanksgiving
For works with similar titles, see Thanksgiving.
THANKSGIVING
(NOVEMBER, 1917)
FOR what shall we give thanks, Lord God of Hosts? For this—for this:
That we were born into this wonder time That sees the death throes of world-slavery,And that we stand amid the bannered hosts And bear an unsheathed sword for Liberty—Thank God that we were sired AMERICANS, Shrived of ignoble taint of cowardice,And that our blood, through easeful years, ne'er ran Thin with the craven fear of sacrifice.
For what shall we give thanks, Lord God of Hosts? For this—for this:
That we are brave with truth, not barbarous; That in our hearts and souls there doth abideThe vision of the Nazarene, His thorn-crowned head and spear-pierced side—Thank God that on the bloodiest battlefield Where Death has harvested and Glory gleans,Holding us fast to ancient faiths and creeds, The Cross of Calvary forever leans!
For this we give thee thanks, Lord God of Hosts, For this—for this.