The Day After, or, The Leftovers’ Lament

‘Twas the day after Thanksgiving and all through the house,

Leftovers were waiting for me and my spouse.

Though they knew we were stuffed, too bloated to eat,

It wouldn’t be long till we grabbed some more meat.

 

So they gathered to meet on the fridge’s top shelf,

There were green beans, and ‘taters, and turkey itself.

They wondered aloud which would be first to go,

And which would remain for a week or so.

 

So they made a list of which foods remained,

“Just to be ready,” the sweet corn explained.

Each food replied when they called the roll:

Potatoes, and corn and a baked casserole.

 

Turkey and stuffing and a red Jell-o dish,

And rolls and jelly and even a fish!

Said the gravy, so tasty, “I guess we’re all here.”

But they noticed the ham was shedding a tear.

 

“What’s wrong?” they all asked, “There’s plenty still left.”

But the ham still cried; it was just too bereft.

“Something’s missing – it’s been all used up,”

It just won’t be there, the next time they sup.”

 

“What could it be, since there’s still so much food?”

“What would make you so sad and cause you to brood?”

Asked the corn of the ham, as it heard it cry.

Said the ham, “I will tell you,” and gave out a sigh.

 

“Thanksgiving is great for thanking the Lord,

For surely he’s worthy to be so adored.

But the thanks given that day sure run out so fast,

There’s none of it left for the coming repast.”

 

“You would think each meal, and other things, too,

Would make people grateful for blessings so true,

But missing the day set aside for that reason,

They just go on, season to season.”

 

“So they gobble their food, and finish their course,

But don’t even think to honor its source.

It causes me pain, I’m sad to say,

That thanks are used up on Thanksgiving Day.”

 

The ham was done; it had said its piece,

And now their talking did stop and cease.

For they knew the ham’s words were only too true,

So now I must ask, “Are they true for you?”

Now may the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Read: Psalm 100:4; Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 4:4.