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Earlier in November, we asked our readers and listeners to share what about America they are most thankful for.

More than a thousand people from across the country responded, including many teachers who turned the question into a class assignment — shout-out to Ms. Goerke's 8th grade English class in Louisville, Ky.

Turns out, many of you are grateful for libraries, which Jody Ondich of Duluth, Minn., described as "sacred places to share knowledge and creativity."

Some of you replied with words that evoked prayers; others submitted expressions of gratitude that were themselves as lovely as poems.


"It was like the poets came out of the woodwork for this challenge," 

We sent all of the responses to Alexander — a poet, educator and novelist — who wove these voices from across America into a single epic ode:

The sun rising behind farm houses in the Midwest 

I hope we have the wisdom to treasure all of it.

magnificent weathered beacons of topographical wonder.

y no hay consecuencias graves when I do so.

I won't lie, I struggled with this question 

With all the fighting, hate and violence 

it has been difficult to remember to be thankful. 

However, when I read stories of people who 

I become immensely grateful and proud of America.

My grandmother who carried her green card 

I am thankful that other people are still trying to come here.

I am thankful for the vastness of our borders and the beauty of our natural lands.

I am thankful for America's history, warts and all. 

to speak out against injustices in our country,

They raise up voices whom others attempt to silence.

My son is transgender and I am grateful for those who treat HER with respect and kindness.

for Cape May; for parties on the Fourth of July; for anarchist coffee shops; for church-run thrift stores; hole-in-the-wall BBQ joints; Lake Michigan; Vinny's Pizzeria in the 90s; beer delivery in a snow storm;

I am thankful that my hybrid existence, hinted by my brown skin and slanted eyes, can make sense in America.

For many spectacular parks in our nation--from the huge and awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tiny neighborhood park with the small playground and the pretty benches painted by local artists.

I am grateful that America can change, too. 

for the millions who take to the streets, 

I am thankful for America, most of the time.

AMERICA LETS ME CONNECT AND PLAY VIDEOS WITH THE WORLD 

For the mom and pop shops and rest stops.

For the love that greets me when I come home.

the dream of something on the other side 

Tori Whitley-Berry and Jacob Conrad produced and edited the audio story.

Lifestyle

Laura Roman

Author

NPR recently wanted to know: What about America are you most thankful for? Our audience answered, and writer Kwame Alexander crafted an epic poem of celebration and gratitude from the replies.

'Thank You, America': A crowdsourced holiday poem that's a blessing to read

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