A couple of years ago I decided to write a poem for our upcoming Thanksgiving Day issue. While trying to decide what to share with our readers this week, I decided to try to find that poem.
After a bit of searching, I did find it. While reading through it, I found that I’d like to make a few changes. Below is my revised version. Warning to Mom: I do plan to read this at our family’s Thanksgiving dinner feast.
“Thanksgiving Wishes”
By Neena Strichart
(Originally written November 2013, revised November 2015)
On Thanksgiving Eve I begin preparation
for the next day’s events with much hesitation.
My mind wanders quite swiftly to holidays past
when things went South quickly— good intentions were dashed
Will this year be different? Will kinfolk behave?
Will I chose to stay sober? Will husband Steve shave?
I hope that young cousins don’t kick, bite or yell,
or ask while we’re eating, “Hey, what’s that weird smell?”
No olives on fingers, no water tipped over,
No barking of pets named Penny or Rover.
For potatoes, no lumps — I cross fingers this year
and hope we have plenty of gin, wine, and beer.
Juicy turkey, nice ham, and I’m not a liar,
I want yams with marshmallows that do not catch fire.
Now for serious words, those we all need to read
to remind us of things to remember and heed.
No matter the fixings, or folks full of pie,
I believe we must cherish our days long gone by.
As long as we gather, give thanks as we’re blessed,
doesn’t matter what’s eaten or how we are dressed.
What counts is reflection for what comes our way,
and that we’re together this Thanksgiving Day.
The Signal Tribune family wishes you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving Day.
