constructing poetry

cranberry salad

when my parents married,
they joined traditions—
but at our celebration’s heart
is cranberry salad.
too complicated for ordinary days,
but when we give thanks for family,
and feasts,
and every good thing,
we start here.

boil cranberries
until they pop and burst
and smell of harvest time
fills all rooms.
mash them through
a colander—leaving a red mass
of gezotts—skins and
less edible bits that
stain hands and clothes—
once my sisters and I
shaped them into animals
and trees—like play dough,
before Mama caught us
and threw it away.
mix with lemon jello
and crushed pineapple,
grapes and walnuts
and chill overnight.

no matter where we gather,
in Germany or California,
Tennessee or Alabama,
this dish holds a place of honor.
sisters and brothers,
nieces and nephews come
laughing and thankful
with empty stomachs—
dishing cranberry salad
onto their plates because it says
Thanksgiving.

line count: 38

Prompt ▼

Prompt for: Feb 13 (Ren/Fyn)
Subject or Theme: food - there are always special foods surrounding any sort of holiday. Pick ONE. Why is it special. Just to you or to many? Is this the only time you get to eat it or is it special because OF the holiday?
Word(s) to Include: THE SPECIFIC HOLIDAY, (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): food, eat, delicious, enjoy, make, holiday, cook, bake, the (or any derivatives of these words)
Additional Parameters: Include the NAME of the food in your title.
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.