when relatives go off their meds during the holidays

her father,

often in the wind,

wild eyed and unshaven shows up

for the holiday

festivities.

dinner is served

it's peaceful for a little while,

until he looks

at his daughter

across the table

and shakes his head.

why are you eating like that,

he says.

you're eating like a settler.

which makes everyone

say, huh?

a settler?

yes, a barbarian settler,

a chicken leg in one

hand and a biscuit

in the other hand,

slurping down

your drink. never taking

the time

to chew or wipe your

mouth.

it's how the settlers ate

when they crossed the Rio Grande

in covered wagons

being chased by Indians.

anyone for more

gravy? his ex-wife smiles

and says,

holding up a gravy

bowl in the shape of a

silver turkey.