Thanksgiving by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Name: Thanksgiving
Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The poem explores the theme of gratitude and the importance of appreciating life's blessings. It describes a family gathering on Thanksgiving Day, where they come together to share a meal and express their thanks for the good things in their lives. The speaker reflects on the past year, acknowledging the struggles and hardships, but also the joys and triumphs. The poem concludes by emphasizing the importance of gratitude and appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Patriotic Literature · 229 words

First lines

Thanksgiving for the strong armed day, That lifted war's red curse, When Peace, that lordly little word, Was uttered in a voice that stirred- Yea, shook the Universe.

Thanksgiving for the Mighty Hour That brimmed the Victor's cup, When England signalled to the foe, ‘The German flag must be brought low And not again hauled up!'

Thanksgiving for the sea and air Free from the Devil's might! Thanksgiving that the human race Can lift once more a rev'rent face, And say, ‘God helps the Right.'

Thanksgiving for our men who came In Heaven-protected ships, The waning tide of hope to swell, With ‘Lusitania' and ‘Cavell' As watchwords on their lips.

What this Textopian page supports

Thanksgiving is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1909 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Date: 1909 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Patriotic Literature, Inspirational, Historical
Length: 229 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Thanksgiving by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Thanksgiving?
How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
War Literature — The themes revolve around war, victory, and peace.
Patriotic Literature — The content expresses national pride and gratitude for military success.
Inspirational — The work aims to inspire and uplift through its themes of faith and triumph.