Poetry | Internecine
Internecine
© 2017 Vernon Miles Kerr
Are all families dysfunctional?
Are any not?
Thanksgiving beckons.
Love draws, but fear impedes.
We go anyway,
Putting away ancient hurts
And hoping for the best —
Hugs and howdies.
The mashed-potatoes go ’round,
Cranberries and turkey too.
We hold our tongues
Until alcohol loosens them
And dinner erupts into brouhaha.
Tears for dessert.