a tradition rite was born
thanksgiving dinner
with friends and family
many years back
preformed the night before;
bread ripped and torn,
potatoes peeled then mashed,
vegetables cooked, simmered
rising early thanksgiving day,
joining other kitchens aglow,
cleaned and started a turkey was
well before golden rays shown
stuffed with stuffin'
fashioned of bread, spices,
celery, onions, a touch of lemon,
warmed bacon grease drizzled
slipping back into bed
awakened later by
wonderful scents
warming the house
friends and family arrived with
plates to share, plates to pass;
corn casserole,
sweet potatoes and jello salad,
pies of apples, cherries, pumpkin
squash, cranberry sauce
sweet pickles, rolls
peas, carrots, green beans
garnish and mix on every plate
extra tables were set about
as large gatherings would require;
chairs came borrowed
then dad said grace
obsolete extra tables slowly became
new commitments arose,
less chairs became needed
for attending guests
until two just remained
a wife, a husband with hungry cats,
still enjoying thanksgiving day
all the same
giving thanks
for what they have received,
cherished friends, loving families
a full life together
©️ dt + b