A Thanksgiving Poem

The Thanksgivings
by Harriet Maxwell Converse

Translated from a traditional Iroquois prayer


We who are here present thank the Great Spirit that we

are here to praise Him.
We thank Him that He has created men and women,

and ordered that these beings shall always be

living to multiply the earth.

We thank Him for making the earth and giving these

beings its products to live on.
We thank Him for the water that comes out of the earth

and runs for our lands.
We thank Him for all the animals on the earth.
We thank Him for certain timbers that grow and have

fluids coming from them for us all.
We thank Him for the branches of the trees that grow

shadows for our shelter.
We thank Him for the beings that come from the west,

the thunder and lightning that water the earth.
We thank Him for the light which we call our oldest

brother, the sun that works for our good.
We thank Him for all the fruits that grow on the trees

and vines.
We thank Him for his goodness in making the forests,

and thank all its trees.
We thank Him for the darkness that gives us rest, and

for the kind Being of the darkness that gives us light,

the moon.
We thank Him for the bright spots in the skies that give

us signs, the stars.
We give Him thanks for our supporters, who had charge

of our harvests.

We give thanks that the voice of the Great Spirit can

still be heard through the words of Ga-ne-o-di-o.

We thank the Great Spirit that we have the privilege of

this pleasant occasion.
We give thanks for the persons who can sing the Great Spirit's music, and hope they will be privileged to

continue in his faith.
We thank the Great Spirit for all the persons who

perform the ceremonies on this occasion.

 
In September of 1891, Converse became the first white woman ever condoled as a Six Nations Chief.

This poem is in the public domain.