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Thanksgiving

November 22, 2007

ph_oct_redoak.jpg

Oak Leaves ~Canon 30d

We return thanks to our mother,
the earth, which sustains us.

We return thanks to the rivers and streams,
which supply us with water.

We return thanks to all the herbs,
which furnish medicines for the cure to our diseases.

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters,
the beans and squashes,
which give us life.

We return thanks to the bushes and the trees,
which provide us with fruit.

We return thanks to the wind,
which moving in the air, has banished diseases.

We return thanks to the moon and the stars,
which have given to us their light
when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to our grandfather Hé-No,
that he has protected his grandchildren
from witches and reptiles,
and has given to us his rain.

We return thanks to the sun,
that he has looked upon the earth
with a beneficent eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,
in whom is embodied all goodness,
and who directs all things
for the good of his children.

~ Iroquois Prayer


And do not forget to return thanks to yourself this day. No one deserves your love, protection, attention, and concern more than you do.

This image appeared on the blog last year, but the tender heart-quality seems a perfect companion to the prayer above.

Be safe, happy, healthy and live in gratitude,
Susan

Posted by vincent at November 22, 2007 08:05 AM

Comments

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Your photo looks lie=fe a heart opening, a giving gesture.

Posted by: tongue in cheek at November 22, 2007 03:09 PM

We return thanks for a blog which never fails to inspire, inform and entertain in 3 years of reading it.

Posted by: topmate at November 23, 2007 03:58 AM

your photos are really beautiful. i saw the article in artful blogging...very inspiring.

Posted by: fran at November 23, 2007 02:37 PM

Beautiful leaf heart. Wonderful poem

Posted by: janet at November 26, 2007 07:42 PM