Falling Flat

The crescent rolls didn’t turn out as well this year.

I’ve used that recipe many times,

baked bread from scratch dozens more.

I think it was the yeast;

I think it could sense my sadness.

It just didn’t raise the dough as joyfully.

Of course, the stuffing wasn’t the same.

I didn’t even try to recreate your masterpiece.

Without the sausage and walnuts, the softened croutons fell flat.

Funny how holidays work.

We are supposed to be happy,

and we are – mostly.

The rest of the year our daily activities

distract us from looking

directly into the face of loss.

But as these days invite us to give thanks

for those gathered around the table,

they also remind us which chairs sit empty.