Thanksgiving Guest Poem by norman hale

Driving down an old gravel road
I looked across a small field and spotted a stone
There by that stone was a little boy knelt in prayer
I didn't see any vehicles, so I parked and felt a chill to the bone

Sure enough that little boy was prayin hard
As I got closer I stepped and snapped a stick
The boy turned and looked right at me
And I could see he looked very thin and sick

He said ' My mommie is buried here
I was just letting her know I was ok
No need for her to worry over the likes of me
And today would have been mommies birthday

I reckon she's celebrating it with the Angels today
She left me well over a year ago now, sir
She said she would be goin to Heaven
Said something about her heart being pure? '

I then spoke up and said ' Son, where do you live?
And when was the last time you had a good hot meal?
I know your mommy would want you to eat more!
Now, how did you get here, I didn't see any wheels? '

He said ' My bike is over yonder in the weeds
I live just down the road a little ways
It's been a good while since I ate a hot meal
But sir, I'm not here to beg, it's not in my ways! '

I said ' son won't you come home with me
We'll get you a meal and talk a bit more
For here it is almost thanksgiving day
And the air out here is a bit chilli, for sure

We can put your bike in my old truck
And on the way you can show me where you live
Now don't you worry none, son
For I have a warm house and lots of food to give

After some long talking he finally agreed
And along our way we went for a ride
He pointed out his little house on the way
' That's it right over yonder there sir' as he smiled with pride

It just looked like a run down ol shack
set back in those woods so far off the beatin path
His face read like it had been a long time
Since he even he had a reason to laugh

We finally made it to my ol place
I showed him all around the house
And where he would be sleeping
He was good company but quiet as a mouse

He stayed through Thanksgiving day
And we had a good dinner together too
We became friends from then on
And good friends come far and few

I gave him a ride back to his house
And sais 'I'll see you later little friend'
He said ' Oh you sure will, at that! '
And He disappeared with the wind

wrote 11/20/2009 by Norman Hale Jr.