Thanksgiving Treasures

~In Memory Of My Mother Sept.10,1937-July 5,2001~

So many fond memories I recall
from yesterday's November
Of Thanksgiving treasures as I child,
that warm my heart, as I remember
Mom getting up before
the first blush of dawn
Arising before everyone
to put the turkey on

And how the tantalizing aromas
would drift down the hall to my bed
The wonderful essence of turkey roasting
and fresh baked rolls and bread
I would follow the scents to the kitchen,
where mom greeted me with a smile
She would tell me to go watch the Macy's Parade,
that it would be awhile

So warm and cozy inside our home,
though a brisk wind blew outside
She beamed with such happiness
as she anticipated when our guests would arrive
From morning to the afternoon
she prepared the food and set a place
But it was when my brother's arrived
a smile would appear on her face

And through the door they would hurry
Dusting off their cloaks covered in flurries
Gathering around the stove
they would warm up their hands
And behind them sat a table
more spectacular than grand

A bountiful spread of turkey, gravy,
mash potatoes, and green beans
Some rolls, dressing, cranberry sauce,
and for dessert pumpkin pie with whip cream
Dad would do the honors, carving the turkey,
while mom would stand and wait
For all of us to settle in,
then she would fix her plate

Laughter filled the table,
at times it could get loud
And mom glowed from the compliments
she was very proud
That her efforts were appreciated
because she gave her best
Now she could sit back and relish
in another Thanksgiving success

After dinner we would head to the family room
to relax and enjoy the eve'
While mom packed up the left overs
to give to my brothers before they would leave
Soon it was time for them to be on their way
and bid us goodnight
We would stand by the door making plans
for Christmas, 'neath the porch light

It is those times I cherish,
when I think back,
and no amount of gold could measure
To those Thanksgiving memories,
when I was a child,
that hold as my treasure.