Adam’s ‘Wants of Man’ Ends In Thanksgiving Feast

John Quincy Adams’ “The Wants of Man” begins by confessing one’s natural wantonness yet speaks to a Thanksgiving feasting on the brotherhood of mankind & God’s good Grace. Perhaps the poetic ending by our 6th president is what Americans in 2021 should be focusing on as we slowly but surely emerge from a 2-year pandemic:

“I want uninterrupted health, Throughout my long career, And streams of never-failing wealth, To scatter far and near; The destitute to clothe and feed, Free bounty to bestow; Supply the helpless orphan’s need, And soothe the widow’s woe …

“I want a kind and tender heart, For others wants to feel; A soul secure from Fortune’s dart, And bosom arm’d with steel; To bear divine chastisement’s rod. And mingling in my plan, Submission to the will of God, With charity to man.”

Davd Soul