I'm thankful for so many things

That Fall's approaching visit brings

As shadows of her dark embrace

So gently cover summer's face

For some, she comes too soon each year

Extinguishing the summer's cheer

But I don't mind her in the least

Because she brings Thanksgiving's feast

In spite of all you must prepare

No other day can quite compare

With one, where so much warm appeal

Surrounds the sharing of a meal

The day is full of fragrant smells

And chores like rolling pie crust shells

While uncles with receding hair

Nod, snoozing in your favorite chair

You snack on logs made out of cheese

And drink, perhaps, with too much ease

As bourbon fueled debates begin

About which football team should win

The wine is poured, the phone books propped

On kitchen stools, with kids they're topped

The grace is said, the turkey's carved

Then all dig in like they've been starved

With swirls of cream, the pie is served

Though for this treat, no room's reserved

Opinions all are put to bed

While those that argued, doze instead

Although this ends Thanksgiving day

The memory of her grand buffet

Lives on as hash, croquettes and stew

Until the wish bone's pulled in two