Happy Thanks Giving!
I’ve been reading this book, Giving Thanks, POEMS, PRAYERS, AND PRAISE SONGS OF THANKSGIVING. edited and reflected by Katherine Paterson and Illustrated by Pamela Dalton. I came across it while on my weekly visit to the library. It has an eclectic mix of poems and thankful thoughts ranging from Chinese Proverbs, Islamic Prayers, Pueblo Blessings, Shaker Songs, to well known poets such as William Blake. Seemed like a perfect book to share at this time of year. So–for Poetry Friday I created a golden shovel poem from a line of William Blake’s “AUGURIES OF INNOCENCE.” Four lines from Blake’s poem are shared in GIVING THANKS.
AUGURIES OF INNOCENCE
THANKS WILLIAM BLAKE
The world began and
your words where born like a
fireball emerging from heaven.
Each new thought in
turn, a small prayer, a
thankful meditation, from great wild
wonders to a simple, abashed wall flower.
©2017 Michelle Kogan
Also included in GIVING THANKS is SIMPLE GIFTS, a Shaker song by Elder Joseph Brackettand, and here it is for you to enjoy with Aaron Copland.
Carol is hosting this weeks Poetry Friday Roundup at her blog Carol’s Corner, stop by for more poetry. Thanks for hosting Carol!
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
Michelle, congratulations on your Golden Shovel! I own this Paterson book and return to it throughout the year. Lots of beautiful words and important reminders. Thank you for sharing, and Happy Poetry Friday! xo
Thanks Irene, I may have to buy a copy for myself. Happy Poetry Friday!
Sweet delights. Looks like a great book. I’ve read that feeling gratitude makes a person happy. I try to do it more.
I think it does, at least it may make us feel more whole and that we are connecting with others.
How perfect to pair Copeland with Blake for your thanks-giving inspiration — simple things and small things like grains of sand.
Thanks Mary Lee, I like these simple things!
A great line for creating a golden shovel. “Each new thought, a turn, a small prayer.” That’s what poems are.
Yes, I think so too Margaret, especially Blake’s!
What a lovely golden shovel tribute, Michelle–thanks for sharing it.
Thanks Buffy!
Beautifully written, Michelle. I own this book and have given it to others too. It is one to treasure. “Simple gifts” is anohter favorite. Your post creates a wonderful thank you for the things we must honor all the year, like “from great wild/wonders to a simple, abashed wall flower”.
Thanks Linda, yes I think these would be good things to practice throughout the year; and I may end up buying this book too.
That is such a beautiful golden shovel….just lovely. What a delightful consequence from the meditations of giving thanks.
Thanks Linda, I’ll go for any kind of meditation! I have a fond memory of Willam Blake–A long time ago when I worked as a graphic designer at the University of Chicago, while doing research I was able to view a few original William Blake’s in their special collections–a very special moment for me!
A beautiful poem, paired with a divine picture, and then the added bonus of the music. Thank you for such a lovely post.
Many thanks Sally!
There’s just something sophisticated that comes from a golden shovel. I love what they bring out in a poet. Nice one, Michelle. And beautiful artwork, too.
Thanks Kat! Having that strong line to build from is inspiring.
I do love your paintings–the ones done with paints and the ones with words. The Golden Shovel form interests me too. Yours is a perfect meditation for thanksgiving.
Thanks violet, painting with words and images–yes!
I like your golden shovel poem. I find them hard to write, but I love how they bring out connections between new and old. Thank you, too, for sharing this book. It looks good, and I look forward to reading it.
Thanks Kay! Golden shovels present such rich and fertile material to build off of.