ALASKAN THANKSGIVING

Leaping aloft at Logan we nearly match
The sunlight’s speed as flying west we leave
Behind the place near Plymouth where Thanksgiving
Started. We’re New Englanders attached

To our ritual space, and Alaska’s a “fur piece” away
From roots and remembered ceremonies. However
Kids and grandkids make a magnet we never
Could resist. So westing, northing the day

Plays out, and shakes us out of our stodgy past.
The Rockies bare their glaciered spine, and bumps
Us forward, higher, until we swoop and bethump
The runway. Then we’re all together at last,

And welcome the great antipodean feast–
Dum sum soup and three roasted geese:

(141, December 27, 1993)

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