All Around the Table

I stared at the ravaged carcass

of the turkey as I rubbed my full belly

and wiped the cranberry sauce from the

corner of my mouth.

“Poor bird”, I thought, “to be cursed with

deliciousness.”

Bred to be the centerpiece at a table

surrounded by wandering opinions,

self-importance and unchecked egotism,

along with the other holiday fare, like

corn and mashed potatoes.

Maybe some pie later.

In some parts, this table will be jovial

and consumed in the loving laughter of those

surrounding this peculiar fowl.

In other parts; anger, resentments and

choice, long stifled words might overflow

and drown the celebration in regret.

Gravy might be spilled as your Aunt

finally admits to her misgivings about, “those people”,

or your brother finally admits he never liked your

wife, or that money you loaned your nephew for

his “investments” was used to buy strippers

and blow.

The white tablecloth, smeared in mashed

potatoes and yams as your Uncle and Father

finally wrestle and come to terms with their mutual

abandonment of their mother, in that home,

with red-faced rage, protruding veins

of their stiff necks.

Perhaps your funny cousin, will say something

pithy, and brag about their true liberalism in

the face of all the phonies. You’ll call him

Holden and he won’t get the reference.

You’ll hide in the palm of your hand as you cup

your forehead.

Someone will tell you how they really feel,

someone will say something stupid,

someone will brag about something they shouldn’t brag about,

Someone will confess, someone will lie, someone will

suddenly be asleep on the sofa,

perhaps that someone is me.

“Poor bird,” I think again.

Belching quietly into my mouth.

So much to be Thankful for and

so little time to do it all in.

A Turkey’s time is so short.

Eaten to the bone.