the tv dinner

ten years old

with no parents home,

we turned

the oven up

to 425, but

the picture

did not resemble what lay

behind

the tin wrapping of the tv

dinner.

they called

it a banquet meal.

turkey and gravy,

dressing,

carrots

and potatoes lumped

upon sections of the tray.

and the applesauce,

dessert.

steaming. bubbling.

burned fingers weren't

the half of it.