America's Thanksgiving
The poem describes a traditional American family gathering on Thanksgiving Day, where they share a meal and express gratitude for their blessings. The speaker reflects on the past year's events, including the harvest season and personal struggles, before focusing on the present moment of togetherness with loved ones. The tone is nostalgic and celebratory, highlighting the importance of family and community in American culture.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Thanksgiving · 439 words
First lines
Father all bountiful, in mercy bear With this our universal voice of prayer -- The voice that needs must be Upraised in thanks to Thee, O Father, from Thy Children everywhere.
A multitudinous voice, wherein we fain Wouldst have Thee hear no lightest sob of pain -- No murmur of distress, Nor moan of loneliness, Nor drip of tears, though soft as summer rain.
What this Textopian page supports
America's Thanksgiving is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1886 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Thanksgiving, Patriotic, Inspirational
- Length: 439 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for America's Thanksgiving by James Whitcomb Riley
- 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 America's Thanksgiving?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Americas Thanksgiving 1900 by James Whitcomb Riley
- His Mother Down Around The River Poems by James Whitcomb Riley
- Longfellow by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Days Gone By Down Around The River Poems by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Noon Song Of Skies And Seasons by Henry Van Dyke
- Urbs Coronata Songs For America by Henry Van Dyke
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — The text is a prayerful expression of gratitude to a divine entity, reflecting religious themes.
- Thanksgiving — The content centers around themes of gratitude and thanksgiving, aligning with the holiday's spirit.
- Patriotic — The poem expresses national pride and unity, referencing the country's history and values.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Thanksgiving Holiday · Historical Fiction · Nostalgia · Family Values · Traditional Culture · Autumnal Setting · Rural Life · Small Town America · Community Spirit · Food and Drink