5159 Exeter Road

My uncle's cousin's friend is belching
scarfing down a crusty meatball sub.
My husky brother Henry is mixing
mayonnaise with the rub.

My mom is calling Joey
for that country twang to end
and our pushy Mormon neighbors are
waiting just around the bend.

My cat keeps hacking furballs
below the venetian blinds
hanging left above a fire that is
smoldering our behinds.

And all the while a pen is scribbling
in its slanting, mannered way
a portrait of Thanksgiving,
my favorite holiday.