Like That First Thanksgiving of Old

Friends are coming today.
_They will join our little feast. _
_Expected, we will pray and eat, _
Offering thanks for God's goodness
Of food and friendship,
Like that first Thanksgiving of old.

Yet other visitors have come.
Uninvited, yet welcome.

Last night he stood there,
Staring at me from the woods.
His pride and power
Fitted sharply upon his head.
The buck was wary, snorting,
Flicking his tail,
Uneasy with my presence.

Early this morning
Another visitor stopped by.
A new neighbor -
Friendly, and humble of heart.
We spoke of splitting wood,
Family,
Books we have read, and...
Hunting.

Could perhaps next Thanksgiving
Both these unexpected visitors
Be invited to our table?
One a provision of food,
The other that of friendship,
Like that first Thanksgiving of old.