Promises to myself for Thanksgiving

It's not going to be today, it's going to be months and years
before I have a friend that I understand.

It's not fair for everyone.  I need to live somewhere, be somewhere
away from here to not be a burden on relatives who do not want me, or
who I do not want,  what a person values varying.

(I value myself, fine.  I shall be a candle flame, too easily snuffed out,
then I shall be the candle.  It doesn't sound pretty the metaphor, but I don't care.)

I still believe in this project a little, so I can only go to run on the treadmill a half an hour, wait for my son, then, I will wait for evening and to see if we will keep the house nice; we will see my aunt, we may see the elderly women, we won't buy a Christmas tree yet...It's too early.  Maybe I will get out the decorations. Maybe I will go somewhere on my own if I were free, maybe I am trapped in the holidays like so many people.  I will read about the history.  I will dream about the wetlands.  I will read Nora Ephron's story about Thanksgiving.  I will be joyful and happy.  I will give thanks.  I will not eat sweets.  I will not eat green beans with mushroom sauce and onions

Reviews

[Jerusalem Cricket]

This does things to my soul. Very real. I like real.

[h d e rushin]

the final lines sound line the dreaded green bean casserole which, I am certain, is
the invention of a demon. But I love the spelling out of the failure of American seasonal celebrations
as being more about routine than about ritual. And i'm not suggesting gathering around an
unknown neighbors house and sing Christmas carols but a personal return to sweet dreams
of giving and joyfulness.

wonderfully written dear Laura....dana

[Laura Lynn]

Thanks, dana!

[Alex Boyd]

I find this humorous this poem did put a smile on my face.

[wordman]

sounds like you have a lot of demons to fight you wrote a great poem