Roots

Tradition transcends history; 
genocidal feasts 

have become something lovely. 

But what right do we have to ignore our roots, 
while we give thanks for life? 

Ritual:

turkey
and cranberry sauce,
cheers,
and cold November air.

My many-times great grandfather came over on the Mayflower 
And my other grandfathers were proud of their ancestry.  

The turkey doesn’t sit quite right. 
But it’s bathed in candlelight. 

Incandescence:

history rooted in a rhythm
that carries the piercing notes
as well as the soft ones. 

I am ashamed, 
but I’ll give thanks anyway.