Thankful

one finger pressed
upon the shutter release
the long table before her
a definition of beauty in detail
each plate turned
on the same orientation
wine glasses
water glasses
spaced with perfection
silver wrapped in damask
held with a cranberry twist
rests at a calculated
off chance angle
waits to be torn open
like a gift
delve into the catch
a local market bird
praised and promised
raised organically and
supposedly free
at the center of the spread
a wicker cornucopia
bursts at the bell
gourds, berries and leaves
stand on ceremony
an attractive arrangement
but in the end
mangled poultry
devoured cranberries
scraps of stuffing
an empty pitcher
of apple cider
gives testament
to the feast
while in the next room
her loved ones rest
sated and smiling
aware of their own gratitude
eyelids slide shut
she opens her lens
captures the real memory