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<h2>The Mother’s Lecture</h2> <div class="poetry"> <div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> THERE’S nothing, did you say, Reuben? There’s nothing, nothing at all, There’s nothing to thank the Lord for This disappointing fall. </div> <div class="stanza"> For the frost it cut your corn down, Right when ’twas looking best, And then took half the garden,— The drouth took all the rest. </div> <div class="stanza"> The wheat was light as light could be, Not half a proper crop, Then the fire burned your fences, And burned till it had to stop. </div> <div class="stanza"> The cows were poor because the grass Withered all up in the heat, And cows are things that won’t keep fat Unless they have plenty to eat. </div> <div class="stanza"> Suppose the frost did take the corn, And the cattle are not fat, Another harvest is coming— You might thank the Lord for that.{31} </div> <div class="stanza"> The fire that burned your fences down, And laid your haystacks flat, Left the old house above your head, You might thank the Lord for that. </div> <div class="stanza"> You’ve lost from field, and barn, and fold, You’ve that word “loss” very pat, But you’ve lost nothing from the home,— You might thank the Lord for that. </div> <div class="stanza"> And here is your mother at your side, Braiding a beautiful mat, I’m old, my boy, but with you yet— You might thank the Lord for that. </div> <div class="stanza"> Your wife is a good and patient soul, Not given to worry or spat, Nice to see, and pleasant to hear, You might thank the Lord for that. </div> <div class="stanza"> Here in the cradle at my side Is something worth looking at, She came this disappointing year, You might thank the Lord for that. </div> <div class="stanza"> Your boy is calling out, “Daddy!” As hard as ever he can, There’s lots of folks would thank the Lord For just such a bonnie man.{32} </div> <div class="stanza"> Ashamed of yourself, eh, Reuben? Well, I rather thought you’d be— What! going to keep Thanksgiving In a manner good to see? </div> <div class="stanza"> To kill the biggest gobbler That’s strutting round the farm? To give poor folks provisions, And clothes to keep them warm? </div> <div class="stanza"> You’re going to help and comfort Each sad old wight you find? You’re feeling so rich and thankful, And heaven has been so kind? </div> <div class="stanza"> Ah, now my own boy, Reuben, I’m so glad we’ve had this chat, You’re growing so like your father— You might thank the Lord for that. </div> </div></div> <ANTIMG src="images/deco.png" width-obs="25" alt="[Decorative image unavailable.]" /> {33} <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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