Giving Thanks Poem by anais vionet

Peter was able to see some of the ant-like Macy's Thanksgiving parade by leaning suicidally over the 50th floor balcony. I go into fight-or-flight panic if I get anywhere near the railing. The parade passes in front of the building with floats passing 40 minutes before they're on TV.

Finally, hours later, at lunchtime, Michael (Lisa's dad) , announced, in a low, deep and melodic voice, like God might have used to conjure the universe, 'come and get it! '

Which started a pell-mell stampede, luckily, no one was hurt.

Would I be unoriginal if I said, 'turkey and dressing are the ultimate comfort food? ' The aromas, flavors and textures, like the bubbles in our sparkling, apple-cider faux-champagne, invoke minted, holiday memories and emotions.

I have so much to be thankful for. I'm surrounded by friends, I'm doing well (if not perfectly) in school, I'm in a nice relationship - one that makes me confident and America's in a moment of peace.

Right as we were seated,13-year-old Leeza's phone, hidden in her back pants pocket, chirped and her pale, freckled face turned crimson.
'Oh, ' Michael said softly, 'that's going to be a problem.'
Leeza held up her phone so everyone could see it shutting down, 'Sorry! ' she said meekly.
'Thank you.' Her dad responded.

If things aren't perfect now - when are they? Our holidays may be stripped back and simplified, or we may be separated from those we love, but I hope you're all well and happy this Thanksgiving and that you don't run out of gravy.

Because when the gravy's gone (that may take days) - I'm callin' it - this thing is OVER.

Happy Thanksgiving!
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Webster: Pell-mell: 'mingled and hurried disorder.'*