Beyond Gravy-A Thanksgiving Prayer/Poem

Unbuttoned

This Thanksgiving,

Among my trivial dreams

Of cranberry sauce and gravy,

I want to remember those who went without power

Due to Hurricane Sandy.

When I’m sniffing cornbread stuffing--

About to pop a giant piece of roasted

White meat into my mouth,

I want to remember those who lost their house,

Their car--

Or loving pets, I’ll sigh…

Then:

Pulling taught across my chest.

Flying across the room--

My missing button--

Leaping from excess,

Miraculously bringing me to my knees,

Before my first slice of pumpkin pie.

Or my second?

Shhh.

Then:

Searching under the shadowy cloak of tablecloth,

Swearing and complaining,

Tears of shame--

Creaking joints,

Dusty floor.

I’ll remember those who don’t have anything.

Who sit in the cold, dark, damp

Residual of a horrible storm,

Without happy relatives and casseroles.

Then:

Long after the grace and smiling blessings,

With a sliver of room still squashed near my heart,

I’ll ask for mercy for those less fortunate.

For those still suffering--

Stitching, repairing and exhaling.

Wishing them hope and strength to rebuild.

Wishing them warmth and light

Returning laughter—

A simple dream revised,

Of cranberry sauce and gravy.