in her high heels and swiss- dotted hostess apron,
basting turkey and stirring cocktail sauce
for the shrimp platter
daddy was stocking the bar
momma went into the dining room
to oversee trays of homemade cookies
decorated with sprinkles, tinted sugar
and silver dragees; she smoothed the lace
of the antique tablecloth, in approval
daddy was filling the ice bucket
momma went to plug in the tree,
admiring the icicles and imported glass balls,
checking the presents beneath to be sure
there was something wrapped up
for everyone
daddy opened a jar of maraschino cherries
the doorbell rang, and momma whisked off
her apron, patted her bouffant,
and checked her pink lipstick
in the garland- decked hallway mirror
as she opened the front door
daddy made the first highball
By, gypsy