A Christmas Dinner

Our new minister was very young. His bride was even younger. My daddy said they looked to be Just one short step from hunger. My mama was the best cook In the whole wide countryside. She felt sorry for the preacher And his timid little bride. My mama had been canning fruits Since the first weeks of September, And baking pies and cakes and such Since early in December. She invited the young couple To come for Christmas dinner. You should have seen his eyes light up. He knew he had a winner. I always sat by Daddy Who took good care of my plate. He gave me the choicest pieces And cut it up before I ate. I was really mad at Mama When she put the preacher's wife, Beside my daddy, in my place, Where I'd sat all my life. I saw him fill her plate up As the good food came around. The young bride sat there smiling And she didn't make a sound. And then my mama noticed When he was cutting up her meat. She said, "You needn't do that, Joe." Her voice was soft and sweet. My daddy looked at Mama To hear better what she said Then down at his table neighbor. I could see his face turn red. She said, "Thank you, Mr. Armey For treating me so well." What Mama said to Daddy later, I am not free to tell. 12/04/12 For Contest "A Christmas Dinner," Humerous