what are you thankful for

then the really painful part
of the holiday dinner begins.
each person having their turn
at saying what they are thankful
for.
you hate this tradition.
you squirm in your seat,
and look towards the door.
they are only halfway around
the table, you could easily
dash to the bathroom, or suddenly
get a phone call
on your turned off phone.
i'm thankful for everyone here
someone says, and begins
to name every one, pointing
at the person and describing how
wonderful each one is.
i'm thankful for the abundance
of things we have
another says, smiling broadly,
proud of her originality.
world peace, someone shouts
out. which is more like a wish,
than something to be thankful for.
but you don't blurt that out.
you are still trying to figure
out how to escape.
vodka, your drunk uncle
mumbles when it's his turn,
spilling his drink
onto his shirt already spotted
with cranberry sauce. i'm thankful
for separate bedrooms
his wife says.
then the children begin. they
are thankful for their playstation.
for ice cream and cake.
for their pets
and for being off school.
they are thankful that this dinner
thing is almost over.
they are the most honest.