Thanksgiving Plus-one

The glasses cling,
the turkey dwindles,
the fading fire,
with help, rekindles,
the laughter and the love
abound,
an older man is bathed
and gowned.

The Rockettes dance,
the show dogs trot,
the cider simmers,
piping hot,
the football flies,
the eyelids fall,
a woman longs
to walk the hall.

The puzzles pour,
the game dice roll,
the pages turn,
the fingers scroll,
the twinkling lights
enhance the ride,
a couple waits
to go outside.

The room phone rings,
the spirit lifts,
the smile returns,
the mindset shifts,
the caller “Hi”s,
the called “Hello”s,
the distance fades,
the guest list grows.