Thanksgiving Poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Explore Emerson's timeless Thanksgiving poem, inspiring gratitude and reflection each year.
Updated December 11, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
In the course of his life Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote many essays and poems. His famous poem about Thanksgiving is one that is still used today to give thanks. We hope these poems will inspire you this Thanksgiving.
A Thanksgiving
Poet: Ralph Waldo Emerson
For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
For blue of stream and blue of sky.
For pleasant shade of branches high;
For fragrant air and cooling breeze.
For beauty of the blooming trees;
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.
The key message in Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem A Thanksgiving is:
a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God for the beauty and blessings of nature, from blooming flowers to soothing breezes, encouraging appreciation for the simple, yet profound, gifts in life.
We Offer Thanks
Poet: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Father we thank thee for this food,
For health and strength and all things good.
May others all these blessings share,
And hearts be grateful everywhere
We thank thee, father, for thy care,
And for thy bounty everywhere;
For this and every other gift,
Our grateful hearts to thee we lift
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything thy goodness sends,
We offer thanks,
Amen.
The key message of the poem, We Offer Thanks, is:
a prayer of gratitude to God for blessings like food, health, love, and friends, while expressing a hope that others may also share in these gifts. It encourages thankfulness for God's continuous care and generosity.
Every Day
Poet: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day,
and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.
Happy Thanksgiving Quotes
Thanksgiving Wish
Poet: Ralph Waldo Emerson
This is my wish for you:
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Hugs when spirits sag,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Faith so that you can believe,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
Love to complete your life.
Thanksgiving Wishes
Grateful
Poet: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Cultivate the habit of being grateful
for every good thing that comes to you,
and to give thanks continuously.
And because all things have
contributed to your advancement,
you should include all things in your gratitude.
The key message in the poem, Grateful, is:
to develop the habit of being thankful for everything in life, recognizing that all experiences, both big and small, contribute to personal growth and should be appreciated.
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Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a special time to pause and remember the goodness that fills our lives. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poems invite us to slow down, look around, and appreciate the gifts we often overlook. His words encourage us to treasure simple moments like fresh air, morning light, and the kindness we share with others. As you read these poems, may they inspire a grateful heart and remind you that thankfulness brings joy to every season. Let the spirit of gratitude guide your thoughts today and always.
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