A Family Thanksgiving - a Poetry Friday post

[kellyrfineman]

Today, an original poem which I wrote in 2009 in response to a challenge issued by Liz Garton Scanlon. The challenge was not simply to write any villanelle, but to use the words thanksgiving and friends in the first and third lines. I wrote mine during the ramp-up to Thanksgiving, and I couldn't help overhearing various and sundry people (some

Comments

[jamarattigan]

Nicely done -- the voice rings true and we're all nodding our heads because they sound like our relatives too. Every family has a pesky cousin and people raising their voices on what should be a happy holiday. Too much confined, close contact :).

[kellyrfineman]

Familiarity breeds contempt, I suppose. Although I'll be spending the day with Morris at his cousins' house in North Jersey, and it will be splendid, because it ALWAYS is there!

[kellyrfineman]

I am sure I will! Morris and I are going to his cousins' house, and it's always wonderful there!

[boreal_owl]

I remember this one. It's one of my favourites of yours.

[kellyrfineman]

Why THANK YOU!!

[kellyrfineman]

Darling Melodye, I'm sorry it's not a favorite holiday. Holidays can certainly bring out the worst in some people, though. Thanks for the kind words!

[jeannineatkins]

This poem made me smile, and that chorus. "I do wish..." is one I've heard in my head. I have gotten smart over the years and friends are invited to Thanksgiving. Makes family even better.

[kellyrfineman]

I agree that inviting friends is good. This year, as for the past two, it will be extended family of Morris's, up in northern NJ. And it will seem almost eerily functional, because everyone is wonderful and warm and enjoys one another's company. (Can you tell I love his extended family?)