Thursday, November 16, 2017

Prepared


Prepared

So the pressure is on. 
It's time to make the Thanksgiving meal.
It must be festive, traditional,
delicious, ideal.

The groceries must be bought.
Recipes gathered up.
The table properly set,
with each plate and cup.

But what if the turkey
refuses to thaw?
What if the oven breaks,
and that bird is still raw?

The stuffing is soggy.
The gravy gets spilled.
The potatoes are lumpy.
No plates are filled.

Take a deep breath
and say a prayer.
Be thankful for blessings;
and for family gathered there.

And when you realize
just how lucky you are,
you'll see it  doesn't matter
if dinner is below par.

Call up the pizza shop
on speed dial,
and dinner will arrive
in a little while.

Don't worry about the food.
Don't stand on ceremony.
Rejoice in your blessings,
and make room for pepperoni!

Even though, at first, 
it can be hard to see.
Remember, remember,
there's always plan B.

*   *  *   *  *

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Flamboyant


Flamboyant

Fall is the time when the trees become
like your eccentric Great-Aunt Irene.
One day: conservative, quiet, sedate,
dressed in a dignified, dark green.

The next: crazy, wild, inhibitions gone,
parading around, making a scene.
Flamboyant in yellow, orange, and red.
Life's too short to always wear green.