Family Thanksgiving
Nov 23 2023
The festive bird
makes its appearance
on occasions like this.
When the good dishes, and hoarded wine
are retrieved from where they've been hidden.
When the extensions are added
a white cloth is spread
candles are lit.
But standing apart,
the kiddie table
— which has folding legs,
mismatched chairs,
and a bad wobble
no one bothered to correct —
has been left uncovered
and set with kitchen plates.
Where, as the youngest
I always sat,
impatient to graduate
to the adult table,
which was beautifully set
and where talk was serious
and the guests ate first.
Now, I think I'd prefer to sit with the kids,
joining in their banter
and innocent fun,
despite the indecorous manners
and eating last.
Because in this fractious time
the adult discussion
has turned into raised voices
flushed faces
sarcastic asides.
When someone will leave in a huff,
while the contrarian uncle
keeps interrupting
and guzzling wine.
Where is the gratitude
the day prescribes,
the humility
it takes to listen?
The stakes are too high, it seems,
and we take ourselves
too seriously.
Much better to feast
undo your belt
slump in your seat,
overstuffed
and a little drunk.
Much better
to tell off-colour jokes
while laughing at theirs.
Much better
to let your uncle rant
while smiling back indulgently.
Because no one cares what you believe
or think should be done,
no one who matters
will ever hear.
Gratitude
is more than enough.
Give thanks
stay humble
and pass the pumpkin pie,
then compliment the cook
and help clean-up.
Meanwhile, we kids are having fun;
kicking under the table
playing with mashed potatoes
telling bad jokes.
Like the one about the turkey
who the police arrested
'cuz they suspected fowl play.
It's U.S. Thanksgiving. So even though we're long past ours, the usual media are saturated with it. A time when they say 50% of Americans travel to visit their loved ones. (And the other 50% are travelling to be with their families! 🙃)
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