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Imagine a six-year-old on Thanksgiving day |
THANKSGIVING DAY We had just sat down to dinner Everyone was there Gramps and Grandma joined us Just like every other year In the middle of the table Sat the turkey golden brown It looked so very tasty Though I couldn’t help but frown If I were a turkey And I’m glad that I’m not I’d do all that I could To stay out of that pot. I’d move to Alaska, I’d live up in Nome. Do you think they eat turkey That far from home? I’d try to look different, I’d wear a disguise. I’d buy some dark glasses To cover my eyes. I’d grow me a beard, Hang out at the park. Play chess and backgammon And call myself Clark. I’d sport a beret Or a jaunty wool cap. And when it is cold A hat with earflaps. I’d speak with an accent. I’d gobble in Spanish. All traces of the old me Would very soon vanish. “Que pasa?” I’d ask Every stranger I met. “What’s happening? Don’t tell me It’s Thanksgiving yet.” And if I am challenged, If someone suspects, I’d just shrug my shoulders, Look confused and perplexed. “What turkey?” I’d ask them “You’ve got me all wrong.” I’d play dumb and act stupid; I’ve practiced so long. And then all of a sudden My eyes became clear And I saw the whole table With my family so near. Gone was the chess set; Gone was the park. Gone was the turkey Who called himself Clark. Instead I saw stuffing In front of my plate, With yams and potatoes This looked really great! All eyes were upon me As I looked around “Welcome back,” my Dad said, “From the Lost and Found.” It was only a dream And I heard myself say, “Mom, please pass the turkey. It’s Thanksgiving Day!” |