Thanksgiving Traditions

There is something about Thanksgiving

that fills my heart with joy

and takes me back

to the house that always smelled like butter.

I remember butter pools on homemade biscuits

and butter lava pouring from white creamy volcanoes

and rivers of gold running and glistening over corn

my mother loved the creamy substance

And the traditions that come with this day

I still set an alarm so I don’t miss the parade –

and at 35 years of age, still wave to Santa

and I laugh as I decorate a plate

with canned cranberry sauce

only my grandmother could fancify jelled cranberries

And tears of joy and sadness both

will stream down my face as I unload the dishwasher

and rest my tired feet

to sit down and watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

sadness for the loved ones no longer sitting beside me

and joy for the memories and traditions still alive

with a plate of butter and biscuits on my lap

©Kristian L. Weigman