Expressing Gratitude: A Collection of Thanksgiving Poems for High School Students

Thanksgiving is one of the most treasured days of the year. After all, what's not to love about the November holiday? It's a day devoted to eating delicious food like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, along with playing games and watching football on TV. More than that, it's a chance to spend time with friends and family, as well as a time to reflect on all the good things in life and offer your thanks for them.

If you're looking for the right words to express your gratitude this year or it's your turn to give the table blessing ahead of dinner, you may be looking for a Thanksgiving poem to share. To help, we've gathered the words of famous poets, including E.E. Cummings, Langston Hughes, Emily Dickinson, and other notable luminaries. Among them, you'll find poems on gratitude, autumn, harvest, Thanksgiving food, and even a few funny verses that are sure to give both kids and adults a chuckle.

Share one of these poems at the dinner table or send along as a Thanksgiving greeting in a holiday card. Whatever you decide to use these verses for, they're bound to deliver the spirit of the season this Thanksgiving.

Poems of Gratitude and Reflection

Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity to pause and appreciate the blessings in our lives. The following poems capture the essence of gratitude and reflection, inviting us to consider the simple joys and profound connections that enrich our lives.

'When Giving is All We Have' by Alberto Ríos

This poem emphasizes the cyclical nature of giving and receiving. "We give because someone gave to us. We give because nobody gave to us. We give because giving has changed us. We give because giving could have changed us. We have been better for it, We have been wounded by it…" It speaks to the transformative power of giving, suggesting that it shapes us, heals us, and connects us to one another.

The poem further elaborates on the reciprocity of giving: "Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand, Mine to yours, yours to mine. You gave me blue and I gave you yellow. Together we are simple green. You gave me What you did not have, and I gave you What I had to give-together, we made Something greater from the difference." This highlights how sharing our resources, even when limited, can create something beautiful and meaningful.

'Thanksgiving' by James Whitcomb Riley

Riley's poem encourages us to be thankful not just for material gains or worldly success, but for the deeper, more enduring aspects of life. "Let us be thankful-not only because Since last our universal thanks were told We have grown greater in the world’s applause, And fortune’s newer smiles surpass the old." It suggests that true gratitude lies in appreciating the simple blessings and the connections we share with others.

'One day is there of the series' by Emily Dickinson

Dickinson's brief but poignant poem encapsulates the essence of Thanksgiving as a day of remembrance and celebration. "One day is there of the series Termed “Thanksgiving Day” Celebrated part at table Part in memory." It highlights the dual nature of the holiday, acknowledging both the communal feasting and the personal reflection on the past.

‘Miracles’ by Giannina Braschi

Braschi’s poem reminds us to appreciate the miracles in everyday life. “Like finding camaraderie and solidarity among friends you never thought could be your friends. Like understanding the other-not loving the other-but putting yourself in the shoes of the other-not to take their position-not to steal what the other has-but to feel what the other feels-to appreciate his thoughts.” The poem encourages empathy and gratitude for the connections we make with others.

Poems Celebrating Autumn and Harvest

Thanksgiving is inextricably linked to the autumn season and the harvest it brings. These poems capture the beauty and abundance of this time of year, celebrating the fruits of the earth and the changing landscape.

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'The Falling Leaves' by Margaret Postgate Cole

Cole's poem evokes the serene beauty of autumn as leaves gently fall from trees. "Today, as I rode by, I saw the brown leaves dropping from their tree In a still afternoon, When no wind whirled them whistling to the sky, But thickly, silently, They fell, like snowflakes wiping out the noon…" The poem's imagery of falling leaves creates a sense of peaceful contemplation, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and the beauty of impermanence.

'The Pumpkin' by John Greenleaf Whittier

Whittier's poem celebrates the pumpkin as a symbol of Thanksgiving and the warmth of family gatherings. "Ah! on Thanksgiving day, when from East and from West, From North and from South come the pilgrim and guest, When the gray-haired New Englander sees round his board The old broken links of affection restored, When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more, And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before." The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia and the importance of reconnecting with loved ones during the holiday season.

'A Song for Merry Harvest' by Eliza Cook

Cook's poem is a joyous celebration of the harvest season, urging everyone to embrace the abundance of nature and express gratitude for its gifts. "Awake, then, all! ’tis Nature’s call, and every voice that lives Shall welcome merry harvest, and bless the God that gives." It is a call to appreciate the bounty of the earth and to acknowledge the divine source of all blessings.

'A Song of Thanks' by Edward Smyth Jones

Jones' poem is a delightful ode to the various foods associated with Thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for the abundance of the harvest. "For the pumpkin sweet and the yellow yam, For the corn and beans and the sugared ham, For the plum and the peach and the apple red, For the dear old press where the wine is tread…" It is a celebration of the culinary delights that make Thanksgiving such a special occasion.

‘Thanksgiving’ by Bessie Lawrence

Lawrence’s poem paints a vivid picture of the autumn season. “Oh, the golden heart-warming autumn days! The air is full of a dreamy haze: So quiet the noisy brooklets seem, We hear their dashing as in a dream. The sloping hill-sides, and mountains grand, In a blaze of glory gorgeous stand, Red, and yellow, and golden brown, A mass of color fluttering down …” It captures the serene beauty and dreamy atmosphere of autumn days.

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Poems About Thanksgiving Food

No Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a feast of delicious food. These poems pay homage to the culinary traditions of the holiday, celebrating the flavors and aromas that fill our homes and tables.

'Thanksgiving Turkey' by George Parsons Lathrop

Lathrop's poem humorously centers around the iconic Thanksgiving turkey, inviting everyone to gather and partake in the festive meal. "Welcome, brothers-all our party Gathered in the homestead old! Shake the snow off and with hearty Hand-shakes drive away the cold; Else your plate you’ll hardly hold Of good Thanksgiving turkey." The poem creates a sense of warmth and camaraderie, emphasizing the importance of sharing a meal with loved ones. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality: “Let our laughter Leap like firelight up again. Soon we touch the wide Hereafter, Snow-field yet untrod of men: Shall we meet once more-and when?- To eat Thanksgiving turkey.”

'After Thanksgiving' by Kenn Nesbitt

Nesbitt's poem humorously captures the feeling of overindulgence that often follows a Thanksgiving feast. "It’s after Thanksgiving. I’m full as can be. I haven’t got room left for even a pea. I probably gobbled too much at our feast. I’m straining in pain and my waistline’s increased." It is a lighthearted reminder to enjoy the holiday in moderation.

'Thanksgiving Time' by Langston Hughes

Hughes' poem paints a vivid picture of the preparations for a Thanksgiving feast, highlighting the abundance and deliciousness of the food. "When the pantry jars are full of mince-meat and the shelves are laden with sweet spices for a cake, When the butcher man sends up a turkey nice and fat to bake, When the stores are crammed with everything ingenious cooks can make, It’s Thanksgiving Time!" It evokes a sense of excitement and anticipation for the holiday meal.

'A Thanksgiving Poem' by C.S. Vincent

Vincent's poem recalls the historical context of Thanksgiving, referencing the plentiful harvest of 1623. "In sixteen hundred twenty-three, The corn-fields yielded plenteously, The pumpkins looked like balls of gold, Wild turkeys came in flocks untold, Dire famine fled to parts unknown, So plenty everywhere was strown, And every heart rejoiced and sang Till with thanksgiving forests rang." It reminds us of the importance of gratitude for the blessings of abundance and the overcoming of hardship.

‘Red Brocade’ by Naomi Shihab Nye

Nye’s poem is a simple invitation to share a meal. “Your plate is waiting. We will snip fresh mint into your tea.” The poem emphasizes the importance of hospitality and sharing.

Poems of Connection and Togetherness

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and community. These poems celebrate the bonds that connect us and the importance of spending time with loved ones.

'Thanksgiving for Two' by Marjorie Saiser

Saiser's poem celebrates the enduring love and companionship of a couple on Thanksgiving. "What we didn’t see was this day, in our pajamas if we want to, wrinkled hands strong, wine in juice glasses, toasting whatever’s next, the decades of side-by-side, our great good luck." It is a testament to the beauty of long-lasting relationships and the simple joys of spending time together.

'The Soldier’s Thanksgiving' by Lydia Baxter

Baxter's poem expresses gratitude for the sacrifices of soldiers and their longing for home during the holiday season. "Our table, though humble, we’ll thankfully fill, While home, with its loved ones, our bosoms shall thrill; We’ll join in the banquet they freely bestow, Then onward to duty we’ll joyfully go." It is a reminder to appreciate the freedoms and blessings we enjoy, and to honor those who serve our country.

'Thanksgiving' by Edgar Albert Guest

Guest's poem celebrates the joy of returning home for Thanksgiving and reconnecting with family. "Home from the east land an’ home from the west, Home with the folks that are dearest an’ best. Out of the sham of the cities afar We’ve come for a time to be just what we are." It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones.

'Perhaps the World Ends Here' by Joy Harjo

Harjo's poem portrays the kitchen table as a place of connection, comfort, and resilience. "Our dreams drink coffee with us as they put their arms around our children. They laugh with us at our poor falling-down selves and as we put ourselves back together once again at the table." It suggests that even in the face of adversity, the bonds of family and community can sustain us.

‘America, I Sing Back’ by Allison Adelle Hedge Coke

Hedge Coke’s poem is a powerful expression of resilience and cultural identity. “Oh, but here I am, here I am, here, I remain high on each and every peak, carefully rumbling her great underbelly, prepared to pour forth singing-and sing again I will, as I have always done. Never silenced unless in the company of strangers, singing the stoic face, polite repose, polite Mother of her world. Sister of myself.” It speaks to the importance of preserving one’s voice and heritage.

‘The Raincoat’ by Ada Limón

Limón’s poem reflects on the sacrifices parents make for their children. “… and I saw a mom take her raincoat off and give it to her young daughter when a storm took over the afternoon. My god, I thought, my whole life I’ve been under her raincoat thinking it was somehow a marvel that I never got wet.” The poem highlights the selfless love and protection parents provide.

Poems That Offer a Unique Perspective

These poems offer a unique perspective on Thanksgiving, challenging us to think beyond the traditional themes of food, family, and gratitude.

'The Traveling Onion' by Naomi Shihab Nye

Nye's poem elevates the humble onion to a symbol of sacrifice and hidden worth. "It is right that tears fall for something small and forgotten. How at meal, we sit to eat, commenting on texture of meat or herbal aroma but never on the translucence of onion, now limp, now divided, or its traditionally honorable career: For the sake of others, disappear." It reminds us to appreciate the often-overlooked elements that contribute to our well-being.

'Thanks' by W.S. Merwin

Merwin's poem offers a darker, more complex perspective on gratitude, acknowledging the environmental destruction and social injustices that plague our world. "with the animals dying around us our lost feelings we are saying thank you with the forests falling faster than the minutes of our lives we are saying thank you with the words going out like cells of a brain with the cities growing over us we are saying thank you faster and faster with nobody listening we are saying thank you we are saying thank you and waving dark though it is" It challenges us to consider the cost of our consumption and to express gratitude with a sense of responsibility and awareness.

‘Testify’ by Eve L. Ewing

Ewing’s poem is a celebration of everyday beauty and resilience. “& still we are golden & a man who wore the walk of hard grounds & lost days came toward me in the street & said ‘girl what a beautiful day’ & i said yes, testify” The poem encourages us to find joy and gratitude even in the midst of hardship.

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