Tomorrow Repast
The tablecloth lifts, white and spotless
floats down on the table she sets
with burnt orange napkins rolled and
set in umber holders – white pottery
and clear crystal tumblers at each place
A vase of autumnal leaves - crisp vermillion
mimic the three trees outside the front
window – sunlight streams through sky-
lights - Tomorrow is the day –
of thanks – of gratitude – for all the
tragedies that have not befallen –
for the privilege unknown to others –
for all that has not been taken – as others
have lost forever more – she strains to
fill her inner cup with the gratitude of what
she has not had to endure – and yet –and yet -
A random melancholy thought falls over
her as she surveys the gleaming floor –
inhales the good smells that the cleaners
have left – Yes, tomorrow is the day – the
table is nearly set – yet, that thought floats
through again – perhaps – she muses she shall
Place photographs of all once there – place them
Here, where they sat at each empty chair –
Remember the clink of glasses the passing of
food- the round about the table thanks given
The laughter, the love, the talk, oh the talk,
tumbling like a water-fall into a clear stream
Yes, perhaps she shall place a photograph at each
empty chair and fill the space with something
beyond misty memory – as they sit down
She and husband
passing sweet potatoes, and tradition -
smiling through the succulent sorrow of
tomorrow.
Gratitude must shine
for this
not small
wonder of
love and
largesse
for what is-
in mystic memory
of all that is not.
I really felt this poem, Pearl. I can see the table, the wonderful colours, the leaves.......and then the meaningful idea of placing a photo at each empty chair for those no longer there. So moving. I, too, balance my gratitude with the knowledge of what so many millions of other humans and non-humans are suffering in the world on any given day. So well said.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sherry - such a wonderful response and yes, such a torn time in so many ways - personal and global. I am grateful for this prompt today! Happy Thanksgiving as a wise friend of mine says "in spite" of ... or perhaps because of!
DeleteOh, yes, I think holidays bring so many memories, especially of holiday meals with so many more present than today. And yes, remembering the clink of glasses and the passing of food! Gratitude for "all the tragedies not befallen" - yes. And " passing sweet potatoes, and tradition -
ReplyDeletesmiling through the succulent sorrow of tomorrow. " There is comfort in these traditions...we have to carry on! Happy Thanksgiving, Pearl.
Mary I love your endless positivity - it is a balm to the soul. Thank you for commenting here!
DeleteFilling one's cup with gratitude, yes, but "for what she has not had to endure" is deep, Pearl Girl. It is easy to get sucked into the chaos and miss moments of gratitude, moments of grace. I do believe we are lucky to have the gift of words, of memory. This is lovely writing.
ReplyDeleteAhh Amer .. I have found myself sucked into a dark hole whirling with chaos...Working hard to not miss those moments of grace and extraordinarily grateful for the gift of words to bring some order to a burning mind and soul. Thank you for the kind words and so wonderful to see you again!
Deletegratitude – for all the / tragedies that have not befallen – You're absolutely right about that privilege and we need to acknowledge that- on thanksgiving and every day... you've captured the mood perfectly in the poem.
ReplyDeleteSherry speaks my mind! And this "gratitude – for all the / tragedies that have not befallen" took my breath away. To pause there is essential, as essential as acknowledging the "not small
ReplyDeletewonder of
love and
largesse . . . ." Happy Thanksgiving, dear poet! Thank you for all of your images.
Pearl.
ReplyDeleteA look into the life that may once have seemed like perfection. Untouched by the troubles from other places; sheltered in that sense of unblemished luxury.
Yet, for most, sad times and loss does eventually arrive..you paint the scene so well, by replacing place settings, with photographs...For me too, it's the absence of loved ones at certain times, that cannot be replaced..simply resorting to remembering and memories..
Happy Thanksgiving...
Annell Livingston
ReplyDeleteI am sorry, I hit publish before I commented. I loved your poem, I was right there, and each word seemed like my own. My Grandmothers, My Parents, My Sisters, friends and family, they all returned with your words. Thank you. annell
ReplyDelete