On Hosting: A Thanksgiving Poem

I make my sister's dressing every year

"Aunt Becky's Yummy Stuffing" it is called,

So full of melted butter that I think

On any other day I'd be appalled.

I find "Joe-Katherine's" make-ahead potato

Directions in the blue Grove City book.

And for the best pecan pie to be had

In Bonner's Ferry Recipes I look.

Carrie Gingerich gave the recipe

For butterhorns with lots of eggs and yeast.

I mix a double batch of it because

We're feeding many at tomorrow's feast.

I thaw the corn that, as my mother taught me,

I cut from off the cob with sweeping strokes.

And Mrs. Habedank in Home Ec said

The fork goes on the left for proper folks.

Each year I gather family, friends, and strangers

To crowd around our table, long and wide

We laugh and talk and learn to know each other

And eat too much and maybe more beside.

Today I'm thankful for the gifted women

Who taught me all I know of cooking's art.

And special thanks to Mom for showing me

That hospitality comes from the heart.