Poem by Henry Van Dyke

Gratitude

”Do you give thanks for this? -- or that?” 
No, God be thanked
I am not grateful
In that cold, calculating way, with blessing ranked
As one, two, three, and four, -- that would be hateful. 

I only know that every day brings good above”
My poor deserving;
I only feel that, in the road of Life, true Love
Is leading me along and never swerving. 

Whatever gifts and mercies in my lot may fall,
I would not measure
As worth a certain price in praise, or great or small;
But take and use them all with simple pleasure. 

For when we gladly eat our daily bread, we bless
The Hand that feeds us;
And when we tread the road of Life in cheerfulness,
Our very heart-beats praise the Love that leads us.

1. Liberty Enlightening the World
2. The Oxford Thrushes
3. Portrait and Reality
4. Stand Fast!
5. The Statue of Sherman by St. Gaudens

Edith Nesbit Gratitude ("I FOUND a starving cat in the street")

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