I love poetry.

Some poems are written paintings, expressing a moment in time with words instead of brushstrokes. Others tell a story through rhyme and rhythm that intensifies the emotion of the tale. I’ve emphasized poetry with both my boys in their schooling, and, surprisingly, they’ve enjoyed it.

Whether you just enjoy poetry or you homeschool, these five should enrich your Thanksgiving week.

“The Kitten Playing with the Falling Leaves” by William Wordsworth

Fascination with kittens didn’t start with the internet generation. Two hundred years ago, Wordsworth wrote the equivalent of an Instagram post with this poem. He combines the beauty of a fall day with a kitten’s energy. His words capture the young animal’s behavior as if it were on film.

“Thanksgiving Day” by L. Maria Child

We’ve all heard variations of “Over the river and through the wood, to grandfather’s house we go.” But did you know the phrase came from a poem about Thanksgiving? This joyful composition embodies the excitement that comes from visiting family.

“Autumn” by Emily Dickinson

This brief poem personifies autumn and the other seasons. Her descriptions of the elements as if they were people, creates a sense of playfulness.

“Merry Autumn Days” by Charles Dickens

Did you know Dickens wrote poetry? Neither did I! This one is full of joy and cheer.

“When the Frost is on the Punkin” by James Whitcomb Riley

When I decorate for fall, I put a pair of cowboy boots on my mantle along with hay and pumpkins. Long ago, fall and the farm were linked together. This poem written in dialect-based verse pays homage to fall on the farm. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to try and say the words as they are written 🙂

I hope you enjoy these selections. Happy Reading!

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