Spongebob, floating down 34th

the 84th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

a festival of music, Americana and memory

a tribute band on tv, lipsynced.

I watch the parade every year

traditions that go back to my youth;

as I write and listen, memories flood

spilling onto the page.

the great turkey debacle of ‘86

no oven, turkey in a fire place, burnt and raw

laughing at the mess and happy.

better days in a bad marriage.

our last Thanksgiving in Colorado

turkey extrodinaire, Wanda resplendant

and still smiling; Cowboys on the tv

she didn’t like my potato salad.

the first one; after.  silent tears

missing her and trying to smile for the kids

my mother in law, so kind

smiling knowingly.

Happy Thanksgiving, to each of you who read

count the memories and thank the Lord

for, even the tears are good;

I am and was loved.