America's Loneliest Thanksgiving

Photo: Jim Ross “Even My Giraffe Needs to Wear a Mask”

James Thomas Fletcher

Social media makes all things possible
but it's not the same. No hugs, no touch,
rooms do not reverberate with cheer.

Trapped by snow, surrounded by sunshine,
soggy in rain, or foggy near the coast,
everyone feels fear in the air. 

Death's warm breath condensing on surfaces.
Like the Indians two weeks after sharing
with those funny-hatted Pilgrims.

Our new Thanksgiving
is different.

Each grim-faced person gazes into the scant plate.
Dressed for nothing. Remote handy. Individuals 
wrapped in cocoons of isolation within 
the shells of their home. Reaching 
out to the television for comfort 
but even parade crowds are skimpy and sullen. 

That's what should be.
But it's not the case.

Instead, more than half of America is traveling,
bringing families across continents
to be with familiars. Laughing, large families
sharing turkey, jokes, and exhalations
to celebrate our first Covid Thanksgiving.

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James Thomas Fletcher has written short stories, plays, and screenplays, but favors poetry. He has fourteen published books of poetry. His latest is "The Visible Spectrum of Desire". Full bio ->