Thanksgiving Morning

Thanksgiving Morning
The morning had been busy, then seemed it would calm down
when on the lot a Pilgrim (!) appeared, just running ‘round and ‘round.
The buckle on his big, black hat had knocked itself askew
and the buckles on his shoes, well, they were crooked, too.
The Pilgrim’s face was frantic as I opened up the door,
“Dost thou know where I might be?” I said, “The corner store”.
I could see confusion as it crept into his eyes,
“Please, explain ‘the corner store’.” He was in for a surprise.
I said, “This is where you can buy some gas to run your car.”
And I could tell immediately that I had gone too far.
So, I took a different route, one I hoped would help,
“We sell coffee, bread and soup…” he let out a yelp,
“Soup would be good, to warm my bones and ‘tis Thanksgiving Day, 
I would like some, but I am lost and must be on my way.
Hast thou seen my turkey? I chased him through the woods.
Thy corner store is very nice and oh, so many goods!
I thank thee for thy kindness, may blessings come thy way.
I must find food for our meal, what would my family say?
As I rushed into the woods, I was sure that I turned East,
But nothing is familiar here; all strange, to say the least.
Didst thou see from whence I came? And might thou point me there?”
How could I tell this poor, lost man that which was not fair;
that I did not have a single clue on how to send him back, 
and he had traveled more than miles from his beaten path?
On his face, I could read the fear that gripped him tight
And I could tell that he was praying with his entire might.
On his shoulder, his musket rested, ready for the hunt, 
I tried to think what I could say and decided to be blunt…
Just as I opened my mouth to speak, I saw he was no longer there;
from somewhere, I heard a gunshot ring out and my pilgrim friend yell, “Hare!” 
The turkey was gone, rabbit would do; his family would have their feast.
I didn’t realize which way we had faced, then suddenly saw…it was East.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and to yours, it is a special day;
family and friends giving thanks, each in our personal way,
grateful for all in our lives that is good and coping with that which is not
and knowing that sometimes having a little is as important as having a lot.

11-06-03
rewritten 11-21-10
© tlp 2010