The Day Before Thanksgiving
life is Almost Normal
Day before Thanksgiving
we are all in the house getting ready
so much to do even though we’ve had this meal
a thousand times turkey brussel sprouts
Bruce will make his Aunt Frances’s yams
she’s been dead 20 years
her stapler collection is in the barn
imagine saving old Swinglines and then
imagine not wanting to give them away
we are grateful all of us to be right here
making dinner for Thanksgiving
the way we always do
as though the world was OK
as though the pandemic and all that’s happened
all that continues to happen
will never replace the desire to be together
old friends and strangers
woman is bringing a man she married once
she calls him her wasbund
and we will give thanks that we
can be together right now
I think the part about saving old Swinglines will be a hit with many people.
I have thrown away way too many staplers. I have Ros' left in my suitcase. She died five years ago. "the most valuable thing when you travel is a mini stapler."