An Old Man's Thanksgiving
Red candles and orange flames,
Draw up the chairs, make merry,
Fine gentlemen, young dames,
Roll the barrels, pour the sherry.
Rusty Roman candle holders,
Creaking bones in a rocking chair,
Cobwebs hang, the mice grow bolder,
Glass of wine, old and rare.
Let's chant the soothing prayers,
Swoon over the butter and sweet gravy,
Fine suits from Virginia's best tailors,
Silver platters all laden heavy.
Hollow words in a frosty hall,
Empty pantries, dirty dishes,
Clothes unfit for a pauper small,
Tray with some rancid fishes.
Bright warm hearth fires,
Hearty laughter, carve the turkey,
T'is the night for culinary desires,
Good Sir, pass the chutney.
Soot and dust come and sneeze ,
Sharp coughing, pick at the scraps,
T's the night for past memories,
Good Sir, pull the thin drapes.
Amen, let's all begin the feast,
Thank the gracious Lord for our food,
Shelled green peas, roasted geese,
Alcohol to lighten the mood.
Amen, make do with what He gives,
Thank the devil for plagues of fleas,
Cans of beans, use the sieve,
Alcohol, to wash the grease.
Heavy goes a full being,
Sleep comes easy on soft pillows,
All give thanks for blessings,
Dream of serene waving willows.
Heavy goes a broken heart,
Sleep comes not on hard tiles,
All give thanks for ale, another quart,
Dream of the past and forgotten smiles.
Give thanks for what you have,
Give thanks for everything,
Give thanks for your loved ones,
Give thanks when you can.
Give thanks before the past catches up,
An old man broken for years,
Toast the present in grimy cups,
Thanksgiving for what you hold dear.