Thursday, November 24, 2011

Te Deum


(Behold the Day, woodcut by Frances Gearhart, 1869-1958,
American artist)

Today is Thanksgiving Day in America.

The Latin title of the poem below is taken from the opening words of a Christian hymn from the fourth century, “Te Deum laudamus,” meaning “Thee, O God, we praise.”

TE DEUM

Not because of victories
I sing,
having none,
but for the common sunshine,
the breeze,
the largess of the spring.

Not for victory
but for the day's work done
as well as I was able;
not for a seat upon the dais
but at the common table.

~ Charles Reznikoff (1894-1976), American poet
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1 comment:

  1. George Hail LibraryNovember 26, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    this is so beautiful! and exactly the sentiment I hope I can emulate.
    - Carol

    ReplyDelete

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