Thanksgiving Day

Years ago on Turkey Day
My father, in a snit,
Let traffic get the best of him,
Announcing, “This is it!”

He turned the car ‘round in a huff;
My mom’s pleas were rejected.
My aunt had planned a massive feast
At which we were expected.

To soothe our wounds my dad declared,
“We’ll go out for Chinese!”
Our sullen silence shouted “No!”
To lobster Cantonese.

Yet there we were Thanksgiving Day
With shrimp in lobster sauce,
My father trying to pretend
He showed us who was boss.

But though he tried to cheer us up
We were a gloomy group;
We dreamed of sweet potato pie
While slurping wonton soup.

I often think back to that day – 
Though we were so downcast,
We were together, and who knew
That magic wouldn’t last?

My parents are long gone
Yet every year in late November,
That Thanksgiving eating Chinese food’s
The one that I remember.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Richards Avatar
June 22, 2013 at 5:34 PM
This sounds like something that would happen in my family! Those are the best of memories, however, when well laid plans go awry! :) Congratulations!!
Morrison Avatar
June 22, 2013 at 12:59 PM
Clever interesting story! We do not always end up where we want to be and then it turns out to be the most memorable. Congrats thanks for submitting! Kim
Johnson Avatar
June 22, 2013 at 11:48 AM
A really cute story. Was Aunty mad? Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Posey Avatar
June 22, 2013 at 9:01 AM
Congratulations. It's amazing how some awkward moments can become such precious memories. thoroughly enjoyed this entry..... Jake
Brown Avatar
November 28, 2011 at 7:02 AM
Congratulations on your win in P.D.'s "MIX" contest Ilene. Love, Carol
Quigley Avatar
November 26, 2011 at 8:11 AM
I'm sure it was memorable. Pass the pot stickers please. Congratulations Ilene
A   Avatar
November 26, 2011 at 2:16 AM
ILENE,, CONGRATULATIONS... ON YOUR HM... THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT..ALWAYS,..P.D.
Lane Avatar
November 24, 2011 at 3:44 PM
Isn't it always the way. Like us remembering the Christmas when Grandma got tipsy and fell into the tree.
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