A Thanksgiving Poem

‘A Thanksgiving Poem’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and devotion to God. The poem rejoices in the bountiful harvest and acknowledges divine protection from calamities. It reflects on human imperfection and the recognition that their blessings are a result of God’s grace and mercy, not their merits.

Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the poet emphasizes divine providence and the vastness of God’s blessings. The poem invokes feelings of reverence, awe, and gratitude, inspiring readers to embrace a spirit of thanksgiving and humility in the face of divine abundance.

A Thanksgiving Poem
Paul Laurence Dunbar

The sun hath shed its kindly light,   Our harvesting is gladly o’erOur fields have felt no killing blight,   Our bins are filled with goodly store.

From pestilence, fire, flood, and sword   We have been spared by thy decree,And now with humble hearts, O Lord,   We come to pay our thanks to thee.

We feel that had our merits been   The measure of thy gifts to us,We erring children, born of sin,   Might not now be rejoicing thus.

No deed of our hath brought us grace;   When thou were nigh our sight was dull,We hid in trembling from thy face,   But thou, O God, wert merciful.

Thy mighty hand o’er all the land   Hath still been open to bestowThose blessings which our wants demand   From heaven, whence all blessings flow.

Thou hast, with ever watchful eye,   Looked down on us with holy care,And from thy storehouse in the sky   Hast scattered plenty everywhere.

Then lift we up our songs of praise   To thee, O Father, good and kind;To thee we consecrate our days;   Be thine the temple of each mind.

With incense sweet our thanks ascend;   Before thy works our powers pall;Though we should strive years without end,   We could not thank thee for them all.

Summary

The poem ‘A Thanksgiving Poem’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar is an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His abundant blessings.

The poet rejoices in the bountiful harvest and reflects on the preservation of their fields from destructive forces like pestilence, fire, flood, and war. With hearts filled with humility, they gather to offer thanks to the Lord.

The poet acknowledges that their blessings are not earned by their merits or deeds, as they are imperfect and sinful beings. They recognize that God’s mercy and grace have been extended to them despite their failings and shortcomings. In the past, they were unable to fully perceive God’s presence, trembling in awe before Him, but He showed them compassion.

The poem celebrates God’s benevolence and providence, acknowledging that His mighty hand has generously provided for their needs. God’s watchful eye has been upon them, caring for them with a holy vigilance. From His heavenly storehouse, He has showered plenty upon them, fulfilling their wants.

In response to God’s abundant blessings, the poet and the community lift their voices in songs of praise and dedicate their days to Him. They vow to make their minds a temple for Him, committing themselves to be grateful and devoted.

The thanks offered to God is compared to incense, rising sweetly and perpetually, and the poet acknowledges that even if they were to strive endlessly, they could never fully express their gratitude for all the blessings bestowed upon them.

In essence, the poem is a profound expression of humility, gratitude, and devotion to God for His abundant blessings and grace, recognizing that everything they have is a gift from Him.

Structure and Form

The poem ‘A Thanksgiving Poem’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar is structured as a quatrain, consisting of eight stanzas, each with four lines. The consistent ABAB rhyming scheme creates a harmonious and rhythmic flow.

The poem’s form, a quatrain, is a concise and popular choice in poetry, allowing the poet to convey their message in a structured yet succinct manner. The four-line stanzas provide a balanced and cohesive structure for each thought expressed.

The ABAB rhyme scheme is evident in every stanza, with the first and third lines rhyming with each other and the second and fourth lines forming a separate rhyme. This pattern adds musicality and reinforces the poem’s cadence, engaging the reader throughout the poem.

The consistent quatrain structure and ABAB rhyming scheme work together to enhance the poem’s unity and coherence. The rhythmic pattern creates a pleasing reading experience, capturing the reader’s attention and allowing the poem’s message to resonate effectively.

The poem’s simplicity and organization, achieved through the quatrain form and ABAB rhyme scheme, contribute to its accessibility and emotional impact. The brevity of each stanza allows for a focused expression of gratitude and reverence to God.

By utilizing this structured form, the poet emphasizes the theme of thanksgiving and devotion, as each stanza presents a new aspect of gratitude and praise. The reader can easily follow the poet’s sentiments as they progress from one stanza to another.

The poem’s structure and form contribute to its effectiveness in conveying the poet’s message of thanksgiving, making it a beautiful and harmonious ode to God’s blessings and mercy. The quatrain structure and ABAB rhyme scheme establish a rhythmic and unified flow, making ‘A Thanksgiving Poem’ a memorable and engaging literary work.

Themes

Paul Laurence Dunbar addresses several themes in his poem ‘A Thanksgiving Poem.’

One prominent theme is gratitude and thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and blessings received. The opening lines express joy and appreciation for the abundant harvest: “The sun hath shed its kindly light, / Our harvesting is gladly o’er / Our fields have felt no killing blight, / Our bins are filled with goodly store.” The poet acknowledges God’s providence and protection, sparing them from pestilence, fire, flood, and war, and they come humbly to offer thanks: “And now with humble hearts, O Lord, / We come to pay our thanks to thee.”

Another theme is human imperfection and God’s mercy. Dunbar reflects on their innate sinfulness and how their merits are not the basis for God’s gifts: “We feel that had our merits been / The measure of thy gifts to us, / We erring children, born of sin, / Might not now be rejoicing thus.” He emphasizes that their blessings are a result of God’s mercy and compassion: “No deed of our hath brought us grace; / When thou were nigh our sight was dull, / We hid in trembling from thy face, / But thou, O God, wert merciful.”

The poem also conveys the theme of divine providence and abundance. The poet acknowledges God’s watchful care and generous blessings: “Thy mighty hand o’er all the land / Hath still been open to bestow / Those blessings which our wants demand / From heaven, whence all blessings flow.” They recognize that God has showered plenty upon them: “Thou hast, with ever watchful eye, / Looked down on us with holy care, / And from thy storehouse in the sky / Hast scattered plenty everywhere.”

Additionally, the theme of devotion and consecration to God is present. The poet dedicates their days to God and seeks to make their minds a temple for Him: “To thee we consecrate our days; / Be thine the temple of each mind.” They lift their thanks and praises to God, expressing deep reverence: “With incense sweet our thanks ascend; / Before thy works our powers pall; / Though we should strive years without end, / We could not thank thee for them all.”

Through vivid examples and heartfelt expressions of thanksgiving, the poet reflects on the blessings received and the profound relationship with the divine.

Poetic Techniques and Figurative Language

Paul Laurence Dunbar employs various poetic techniques and figurative language in his poem ‘A Thanksgiving Poem’ to convey his message effectively.

• Imagery: One notable technique is the use of imagery, which creates vivid mental pictures for the reader. For instance, in the lines “The sun hath shed its kindly light,” Dunbar personifies the sun, attributing the quality of kindness to it.
• Metaphors: The poet utilizes metaphors to enhance the poem’s depth and meaning. When Dunbar describes their fields as having “felt no killing blight,” he metaphorically implies that their crops have been spared from destruction and disease.
• Repetition: Dunbar employs repetition to emphasize key phrases and create a rhythmic effect. The phrase “Our harvesting is gladly o’er” is repeated in the first stanza, enhancing the sense of joy and completion after a successful harvest.
• Alliteration: The poet also uses alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, to add musicality to the poem. For example, in the line “From pestilence, fire, flood, and sword,” the repetition of the “f” sound creates a pleasing rhythm.
• Personification: The use of this technique is evident throughout the poem. When the poet speaks of their “erring children, born of sin,” they personify sin as if it gives birth to humans, illustrating their inherent imperfection.
• Religious Imagery: Dunbar employs religious imagery to emphasize the theme of devotion and thanksgiving to God. The reference to God’s “mighty hand” and His “storehouse in the sky” evokes a divine and majestic presence.
• Symbolism: The poet uses symbolism, representing abstract ideas through concrete objects, to convey deeper meanings. For instance, the “incense sweet” symbolizes their prayers and thanksgiving rising to God.
• Rhyming scheme: Lastly, the consistent ABAB rhyming scheme throughout the poem adds a musical quality, contributing to its overall rhythm and coherence.

Through these literary devices, Dunbar skillfully expresses gratitude, human imperfection, divine providence, and devotion, making the poem a powerful and heartfelt ode to thanksgiving and praise.

Detailed Analysis

Stanza One

The sun hath shed its kindly light,
   Our harvesting is gladly o’er
Our fields have felt no killing blight,
   Our bins are filled with goodly store.

In the first stanza of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem ‘A Thanksgiving Poem,’ the poet conveys a message of gratitude and contentment for the bountiful harvest and the abundance of provisions. The stanza begins with a celebration of the sun’s benevolent influence, as it has “shed its kindly light.” This personification of the sun as “kindly” suggests that nature itself is acting in their favor, providing favorable conditions for their crops to grow and flourish.

The poet then continues to express joy and satisfaction over the completion of their harvest: “Our harvesting is gladly o’er.” The use of the word “gladly” signifies that the laborious process of harvesting has been completed with delight and happiness. It conveys a sense of relief and fulfillment, suggesting that their efforts in cultivating the fields have borne fruitful results.

Dunbar goes on to highlight the absence of destructive forces: “Our fields have felt no killing blight.” The imagery of “killing blight” evokes a sense of potential devastation and loss that could have been caused by diseases or pests. The fact that their fields remained unaffected emphasizes their good fortune and the protection they have received from calamities.

The final line of the stanza further reinforces the theme of abundance and prosperity: “Our bins are filled with goodly store.” The use of the word “goodly” implies that their storage bins are filled with a substantial and high-quality supply of harvested crops. This depiction of abundance reinforces the notion that their hard work has been rewarded generously.

The first stanza of ‘A Thanksgiving Poem’ carries a message of thankfulness for nature’s benevolence, successful harvesting, protection from harm, and the richness of their provisions. The poet’s use of imagery and personification of natural elements helps evoke a sense of harmony with the environment and the blessings they have received. Through this verse, Dunbar sets the tone for the rest of the poem, where themes of gratitude, divine providence, and devotion to God are further explored and celebrated.

Stanza Two

From pestilence, fire, flood, and sword
   We have been spared by thy decree,
And now with humble hearts, O Lord,
   We come to pay our thanks to thee.

In the second stanza of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem, the poet continues to convey a message of gratitude and recognition of divine protection and mercy. The stanza begins with a list of potential calamities: “From pestilence, fire, flood, and sword.” Each of these elements symbolizes various forms of disaster and devastation that could befall humanity. By encompassing such a wide range of threats, Dunbar emphasizes the magnitude of dangers that the community could have faced.

The poet then shifts the focus to the divine intervention that has shielded them from these perils: “We have been spared by thy decree.” Here, the poet acknowledges that it is through God’s decree or decision that they have been protected. This recognition of divine control over their fate reinforces the theme of divine providence and underscores the belief that their well-being is ultimately in God’s hands.

The stanza concludes with a humble acknowledgment of their blessings and a sense of reverence: “And now with humble hearts, O Lord, / We come to pay our thanks to thee.” The phrase “with humble hearts” suggests genuine and sincere gratitude as they approach God with a deep sense of humility and appreciation. The act of coming “to pay our thanks” demonstrates an active expression of their thankfulness to God for His mercy and protection.

Through the second stanza, Dunbar conveys a message of gratitude, humility, and acknowledgment of God’s role in protecting them from various calamities. By mentioning a variety of potential threats, he highlights the uncertainty of life and the dependence on a higher power for safety and security. The poem encourages readers to reflect on their own blessings and consider the role of divine providence in their lives. Moreover, the stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God’s mercy and expressing gratitude for the abundant blessings received.

Stanza Three

We feel that had our merits been
   The measure of thy gifts to us,
We erring children, born of sin,
   Might not now be rejoicing thus.

In the third stanza, the poet delves into the theme of human imperfection and the concept of grace and mercy from a higher power. The stanza begins with a contemplative statement: “We feel that had our merits been / The measure of thy gifts to us.” This line suggests that the blessings they have received are not a result of their own deserving actions or virtues. Instead, Dunbar implies that their merits or good deeds are insufficient to account for the abundance of blessings bestowed upon them.

The poet then describes themselves and the community as “erring children, born of sin.” This portrayal acknowledges the inherent flaws and imperfections of human beings. By referring to themselves as “erring children,” Dunbar emphasizes their fallibility and the propensity for making mistakes and straying from the righteous path.

Despite their shortcomings, the stanza concludes on a note of gratitude and rejoicing: “Might not now be rejoicing thus.” Here, the poet implies that their celebration and joy are a direct result of divine grace and mercy. They are aware that their own actions alone do not merit such blessings, and therefore, they find reason to rejoice in the knowledge that these gifts are bestowed upon them out of God’s benevolence.

Through the third stanza, Dunbar conveys a powerful message about human humility and the recognition of God’s abundant grace. The poet humbly accepts their imperfections, acknowledging that they are undeserving of the blessings they have received. This self-awareness serves to amplify their gratitude, as they understand that their joy and celebration stem from divine favor rather than personal achievement.

The message of this stanza aligns with the overall themes of thanksgiving and devotion to God. By acknowledging their inherent imperfection and the role of divine mercy, Dunbar encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the blessings they have received. The stanza serves as a reminder to be humble and grateful for the gifts in life, attributing them not to personal merit but to the unmerited grace of a higher power.

Stanza Four

No deed of our hath brought us grace;
   When thou were nigh our sight was dull,
We hid in trembling from thy face,
   But thou, O God, wert merciful.

In the fourth stanza, the poet explores the theme of divine mercy and the recognition of human frailty in the presence of God. The stanza begins with a firm statement: “No deed of our hath brought us grace.” This line conveys the belief that their actions, no matter how virtuous or well-intended, are not the cause of the grace they have received. Instead, they acknowledge that their blessings are bestowed upon them without being earned or deserved.

The following lines highlight the human response to the divine presence: “When thou were nigh our sight was dull, / We hid in trembling from thy face.” Here, Dunbar portrays the inherent limitations of human perception and understanding in the presence of the divine. The phrase “our sight was dull” implies that humans cannot fully comprehend the magnitude and majesty of God’s presence, and thus, they react with trepidation and fear, seeking to hide in His awe-inspiring presence.

Despite their human limitations and imperfect response, the stanza concludes on a note of reassurance and hope: “But thou, O God, wert merciful.” This statement emphasizes the central message of the poem—that God’s mercy and compassion transcend human failings. Despite their shortcomings, God extends His grace and mercy to them, indicating that His benevolence is not contingent on human worthiness.

Through the fourth stanza, Dunbar conveys a message of divine mercy and compassion in the face of human imperfection. The poet emphasizes the humble recognition of human limitations when confronted with the divine presence. He underscores the idea that God’s mercy is an unmerited gift, not a reward for human actions or goodness.

This stanza reinforces the themes of gratitude and devotion to God, as the poet acknowledges the disparity between human inadequacy and divine magnanimity. By depicting God’s merciful nature, Dunbar encourages readers to approach their relationship with the divine with humility and thanksgiving. The stanza serves as a reminder of God’s boundless love and kindness, reassuring readers that, despite their human limitations, they are recipients of His compassionate grace.

Stanza Five

Thy mighty hand o’er all the land
   Hath still been open to bestow
Those blessings which our wants demand
   From heaven, whence all blessings flow.

In the fifth stanza of the poem, the poet emphasizes the theme of divine providence and the acknowledgment of God’s all-encompassing care and generosity. The stanza opens with a powerful image: “Thy mighty hand o’er all the land.” This imagery of God’s hand signifies His omnipotence and sovereignty over the entire world. It conveys the idea that God’s influence and authority extend far beyond their immediate community or surroundings.

The poet then continues to highlight God’s benevolence: “Hath still been open to bestow / Those blessings which our wants demand.” The phrase “Hath still been open” implies that God’s hand has been consistently giving and providing for their needs. The use of the word “bestow” further emphasizes the act of giving with intention and generosity. Through this line, Dunbar conveys the idea that God’s care is not limited or sporadic but enduring and dependable.

The stanza concludes with a reference to the source of these blessings: “From heaven, whence all blessings flow.” This line alludes to the biblical idea that every good thing comes from God, the ultimate source of blessings and grace. The use of “heaven” signifies the divine origin of these gifts, reinforcing the notion of God’s transcendence and divine providence.

Through the fifth stanza, Dunbar conveys a message of deep appreciation for God’s all-encompassing care and abundance. The poet emphasizes God’s unwavering provision for their needs and highlights the understanding that every blessing they receive emanates from a divine source.

The stanza reinforces the themes of gratitude and devotion, encouraging readers to recognize and acknowledge God’s unceasing care and generosity. By presenting God’s hand as “mighty” and “open,” the poet instills a sense of awe and reverence for His providence. Through this portrayal, Dunbar urges readers to trust in God’s guiding hand and acknowledge Him as the ultimate source of all blessings and provisions.

This fifth stanza contributes to the overall message of the poem, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and humility in acknowledging God’s abundant blessings and benevolence. It serves as a reminder that all good things come from God’s hand, inspiring readers to approach life with a sense of thanksgiving and appreciation for the abundant gifts they receive.

Stanza Six

Thou hast, with ever watchful eye,
   Looked down on us with holy care,
And from thy storehouse in the sky
   Hast scattered plenty everywhere.

In the sixth stanza of Dunbar’s poem, the poet continues to explore the theme of divine providence and care. The stanza begins by attributing a specific quality to God: “Thou hast, with ever watchful eye.” This personification of God’s eye as “ever watchful” suggests His constant vigilance and attentiveness to the affairs of humanity. It conveys the idea that God is always aware of their needs and concerns.

The poet then describes God’s watchful gaze as “holy care.” This phrase further emphasizes the divine nature of God’s attention and care. The use of “holy” suggests that God’s concern for them is pure and sacred, underscoring the idea that His actions are driven by divine love and compassion.

The stanza continues with the image of God’s “storehouse in the sky.” This metaphor conveys the notion that God possesses a limitless abundance of blessings and provisions akin to a vast storehouse in the heavens. It implies that God is the ultimate source of all good things, and from this abundant storehouse, He is able to meet their needs abundantly.

The stanza concludes with the image of God “Hast scattered plenty everywhere.” The verb “scattered” suggests a generous and widespread distribution of blessings. It implies that God’s benevolence is not limited or selective but extends to all corners of the earth. The use of “plenty” further emphasizes the idea of abundance, indicating that God’s blessings are plentiful and sufficient to meet the needs of all.

Through the sixth stanza, Dunbar conveys a message of God’s ever-present care, benevolence, and abundant provision. The poet highlights God’s watchful eye, holy care, and vast storehouse as symbols of His boundless love and compassion for humanity. The image of plenty being scattered everywhere suggests that God’s blessings are not reserved for a select few but are accessible to all.

The stanza reinforces the themes of gratitude, divine providence, and recognition of God’s abundant blessings. It serves as a reminder that God’s care is constant and unwavering, and His abundant provisions are available to all who seek Him with humility and thanksgiving.

Essentially, the sixth stanza deepens the poem’s message of appreciation for God’s continuous care and generosity. It encourages readers to trust in God’s watchful eye and embrace the abundance of blessings that He offers, fostering a sense of gratitude and devotion to the divine source of all goodness.

Stanza Seven

Then lift we up our songs of praise
   To thee, O Father, good and kind;
To thee we consecrate our days;
   Be thine the temple of each mind.

In the seventh stanza, the poet emphasizes the theme of gratitude and devotion to God. The stanza opens with a call to action: “Then lift we up our songs of praise.” This line encourages the community to express their thanksgiving and appreciation to God through songs of praise. The act of lifting up songs suggests a joyful and celebratory response to the blessings they have received.

The stanza continues with an address to God: “To thee, O Father, good and kind.” This description of God as “good and kind” reinforces the idea of His benevolence and compassion. The use of these adjectives emphasizes the loving and caring nature of God, inspiring feelings of reverence and trust.

The poet then moves to express their commitment to God: “To thee we consecrate our days.” The word “consecrate” suggests dedicating their days to God, making them sacred and devoted to His service. It conveys a sense of purposeful devotion and a desire to live in alignment with God’s will.

The stanza concludes with a powerful image: “Be thine the temple of each mind.” This metaphorical statement suggests that the poet and the community seek to make their minds a holy place, a temple dedicated to God. It conveys a desire for a deep spiritual connection with the divine, inviting God to dwell within their thoughts and hearts.

Through the seventh stanza, Dunbar conveys a message of reverence, devotion, and consecration to God. The poet urges the community to express their gratitude through songs of praise and to dedicate their lives to God’s service. The image of consecrating their days and making their minds a temple reinforces the idea of a deeply committed and intimate relationship with God.

The stanza reinforces the themes of gratitude, devotion, and recognition of God’s goodness. It serves as a call to action, inspiring readers to actively express their thanksgiving and dedicate their lives to living in harmony with God’s divine will.

The seventh stanza deepens the poem’s message of thanksgiving and devotion to God. It encourages readers to offer heartfelt praise and consecrate their lives to the service of the divine, fostering a sense of reverence and spiritual connection. The stanza serves as a reminder of the transformative power of gratitude and the importance of a devoted and intimate relationship with God.

Stanza Eight

With incense sweet our thanks ascend;
   Before thy works our powers pall;
Though we should strive years without end,
   We could not thank thee for them all.

In the final stanza (eighth stanza) of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem ‘A Thanksgiving Poem,’ the poet offers a profound reflection on the limitations of human gratitude in the face of God’s abundant blessings. The stanza begins with a vivid image: “With incense sweet our thanks ascend.” Here, the use of “incense” symbolizes the offering of their thanksgiving and praise to God, reminiscent of the ancient practice of burning incense as an act of devotion. The phrase “sweet our thanks ascend” suggests that their gratitude is heartfelt and sincere, rising like a fragrant offering to God.

The stanza then acknowledges the inadequacy of their gratitude compared to the vastness of God’s blessings: “Before thy works our powers pall.” The phrase “our powers pall” means that their abilities to express thanks are limited and fall short in comparison to the magnitude of God’s blessings. This line highlights the vastness and variety of God’s blessings, emphasizing that their efforts to thank Him are simply not enough to encompass all that he has provided fully.

The poet continues with a striking statement: “Though we should strive years without end.” This line conveys the idea that even if they were to dedicate endless years in trying to express gratitude, it would still not be enough to appreciate all the blessings they have received fully. The use of “strive” suggests a persistent and relentless effort to convey thanks.

The stanza concludes with a powerful and humbling realization: “We could not thank thee for them all.” This final line conveys the message that human language and expressions of gratitude are insufficient to capture the depth and scope of God’s blessings fully. It underscores the vastness and immeasurability of divine providence, leaving the poet and the community in awe of God’s abundance.

Through the final stanza, Dunbar conveys a message of awe, humility, and an awareness of the boundless nature of God’s blessings. The poet humbly acknowledges that human efforts to thank God are limited and that His benevolence transcends human comprehension.

The stanza reinforces the themes of gratitude and divine providence, inviting readers to reflect on the incomprehensible richness of God’s blessings. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility in the face of divine abundance and encourages a continuous sense of thanksgiving and reverence.

The final stanza deepens the poem’s message of gratitude and humility, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and reverence for the infinite blessings bestowed upon humanity. The stanza invites readers to embrace a spirit of thanksgiving and acknowledge the limitations of human expressions of gratitude in the face of God’s boundless benevolence.

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Similar Poetry

Those who enjoyed this poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar may also wish to explore the following others:

• ‘A Thank-Offering’ by Ella Higginson – is a poem in which the speaker offers her thanks to God for the things they have, no matter if they are tinged with adversity or not.
• ‘The Harvest Moon’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – is a lovely depiction of the autumn season, the movements of birds, the colors of the landscape, and more. The poet alludes to the labor of the harvest and the rest that comes after.
• ‘One day is there of the series’ by Emily Dickinson – explores the holiday Thanksgiving and how its celebrated in America.