It Must Be...but...What If?
A Thanksgiving Poem
And potatoes, and green bean casserole.
We believe it must be yams
Whipped, with marshmallows.
We believe it must be gravy
And giblets and rolls.
And cranberry sauce, the once a year
Necessity sliced just so.
We believe it must be pumpkin pie
And pecan and ice cream.
We believe it must be solemn words
Thanks for things we dream.
We believe we must be dressed just so
Likewise the table.
We believe we must behave just so
Play the parts we are given.
But what if...
What if...
We suspend belief?
And tradition?
And script?
What if...
I bring you something I made
And wear my favorite clothes?
What if I sit on the floor at your feet
And ignore my assigned seat?
What if I am thankful for the fact that I
don't have a job and I do have my freedom?
What if I am thankful
That there is no script?
What if we drop all pretense
And really talk?
What if we sit long into the night
And listen and learn and really see?
What if we give thanks that, by evenings end,
We may have begun to know each other?
And give Thanks...
Published by Suzanne Bennett
Thank you for visiting! I deeply appreciate the support you offer just by visiting my pages and reading my stories, poems, and articles. It means a great deal to me! I am a Behavioral Science Specialist... View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentRealy very nice :) This is very unique and well written poem :)
I think that this is beautiful. Of course there are some folks who cherish their tradition, but there's no reason that they can't bring the most cherished parts of their tradition too.
I love all the traditional stuff. The meal is great. But not at the expense of having genuine fellowship with family members I rarely see. Unfortunately, that is the way it sometimes is. There is so much stress around preparing the meal, getting it just right, making sure everyone can be seated around the table, etc., that there isn't really time to just sit around and enjoy each other. If one household puts on the meal, it is a big burden for them. I would love to do a casual potluck (traditional foods encouraged!) and just be able to kick back and relax, talk, maybe watch good movie! :)
Too bad you and others feel out of place or call it a formula, because although my children live around the country they carry the tradition with them by choice especially the stuffing that they always call to see if they have the receipe correct and enjoy passing down some traditions while making their own.
I really enjoyed that, especially as I have a lot of those anxieties, too. Thanks for putting into words what many have to deal with.
Makes me yearn for Turkey Day and remembering what it's really about!
Excellent! Who wants a formula holiday? I like your suggestions better -and, of course, the focus on giving Thanks, too.
Great writing :) Personally, I can't wait for the cranberry sauce, though!