Thankfulness was written by Auburn, Indiana author, Frank Carleton Nelson and appeared in his 1927 compilation called Along Life’s Road. It’s the first of two poems by Nelson I am sharing this week.
I first learned on FC Nelson when I was writing my book, Legendary Locals of Auburn. In short order, I had really come to admire the poet’s prose and scoured the internet to find copies of his books.
His simple style and direct imagery is relatable and harkens back to the good ole’ days. As is evident from his work, Nelson was clearly a man of God, and one who cherished a lifetime of learning and growing.
In his poem, Thankfulness, Frank Carleton Nelson reminds us that we are to pray and extend our gratitude during the Thanksgiving holiday.
With this being Thanksgiving week, I thought it appropriate to share.
Thankfulness by Frank Carleton Nelson
Not to ask the Lord for favors, as is custom in a prayer,
but to thank Him for the blessings He has scattered everywhere. I am thankful for a country that is built on faith and love,
for the honor of Old Glory, as she proudly floats above. For the peace that’s no prevailing and forevermore shall be,
if we follow out the precepts of our nation’s history. I am thankful for the friendship that throughout my life I’ve yearned,
for the friendship of the many that I know I haven’t earned, and even for the sorrows that have knocked upon my door,
for I know they’ve made me better than I ever was before. And for that little place called home, that God has given me,
and the loved ones round my fireside, I’m as thankful as can be, for of all the earthly fortunes that a moral can possess,
this, I claim the greatest to complete life’s happiness. So, I’m thankful, Oh so thankful, for the blessings of my days,
that are showered in mercy on me in a million different ways, And if Heaven’s any better than this old earth here below,
I shall name the day Thanksgiving when I’m called upon to go.
This poem, Thankfulness, appeared in Along Life’s Road (1927) published by the Indiana State Forum in Auburn, Indiana