Grand Uncle Claus

sat at the end of the table.

Grand Aunt Genevieve

stood beside him,

her hand on his shoulder.

She called to all their guests,

their loved family and friends.

“Come to the table! All come to the table!”

We all would rush into the dining room.

The children wriggled their way

into their seats

at their table.

The adults squeezed into their places

at their table.

Christmas Turkey Dinner,

joyfully devoured by all.

Year after year after year…..

We have lost this now.

We live in Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Florida.

We have married, divorced and married again.

We all have ties to other families

who eat Seven Fish Dinners

or order Chinese take-out from the Wok and Roll

instead of day long preparation Turkey Feasts.

And many, now as we grow olderly

have died.

With none to replace.

And Grand Uncle Claus’ house

in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn,

where all the Norwegians settled

has been sold and sold again.

And, no, I don’t know

where 2nd cousin James’ son Charles lives

with his new wife,

Japanese,

I heard from Aunt Caroline..

And, truth be told,

it’s been so long

since I’ve seen cousin Bobby,

I don’t really care

to see him,

Never really liked him.

Kind’a gave me the creeps,

anyway.