Truly, What's Thanksgiving?

This 2022 poem is honestly one of my favorites. After thoroughly devouring a bountiful November feast complete with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, me and my family sat around and enjoyed each other's fond company. A sudden poetic inspiration hit me in the midst of a conversation and I quietly tiptoed away to the solitude of my parents bedroom to write a reflection on the sublimity of the truly wonderful holiday: Thanksgiving.

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~ Truly, What’s Thanksgiving? ~

The dinner table’s filled with food,
arrayed in festive platters;
the placement of the stuffing near
to me is all that matters.
Mashed potatoes, creamy, gold,
which I hope is mostly butter;
cranberry sauce in a crystal bowl
sliced perfectly by a cutter.
Sweet corn poured from a tin can- yum!-
is steaming in all its glory,
green beans wrapped in a garlic blanket
is the prize of a garden’s quarry.
And oh! The sight of the plump, smoked Turkey
with savory, tender meat.
How carnal are these appetites
of Thanksgiving’s fatty treats!
Do not misunderstand, good friends,
I do not mean to judge.
I myself am first in line
for the eating and the drudge.
But can I ask for you, just once,
to remove your view from these;
cast your gaze upon the people
seated around you- please.
Your family, your friends,
the ones you hold most dear;
(and if you celebrate all alone-
God is with you still, don’t fear.)
For is this not what today’s about?
Family, friends and Christ?
Are we not thankful for the One,
the Man who laid down His life?
Earnestly, I now entreat you,
look upon your people.
Fathers, mothers, daughters, sons,
and He in the house with a steeple.
Gaze into the eyes of they
who share this meal with you.
Thanksgiving is about the souls
at the table, not the food.

If you already know this- good!
I embrace you in my heart.
(But not too tight, because I know-
good food invites good farts.)
Smile often on this day,
be glad for what you have;
for one day you shall gaze upon
Your Death. I hope you laugh!
For when your heart is thankful,
everything is a gift!
God is gracious, God is good,
for the crosses He gives and lifts.
So smile now around your family,
tease beloved friends,
for some day, when you lay your head
to rest, you will not end.
You shall live on in memories,
in times of good and sad,
your life will be COMPLETED
which is something far from bad.
Instead of merely “going out”
like a candle, you shall shine!
In the hearts of those with whom you shared
Thanksgiving dinners, fine!
Embrace the people in your life
and clink your glasses, laugh!
“To prosperity and happiness!”
And to the Love that always lasts.

~ K.k.W.