My table’s set with the
crystal glasses that were
Mom and Dad’s wedding present.
I’m baking turkey and rolls.
My lover’s more nuisance than help
in our tiny kitchen.
Dad’s watching the ballgame
and playing with my new puppy.
Mom’s smoking near the open
back door (out of respect, of course),
and my sister’s trying to keep
her kid out of my flower pots.
It seems strange at first –
our perfect little family
now not so perfect anymore.
My sister’s husband is no longer welcome,
Mom and Dad live in different houses,
and I live with a woman.
But my sister’s finally free –
Mom is finally sober –
Dad is finally cheerful –
and I am finally me.
It is only appropriate
that this family, such as it is,
should spend Thanksgiving together.
