Tomato Soup Christmas
Closing the peeling white lead painted cabinet doors
two by two she said quietly
tomato soup or tomato soup ?
half listening
I just kept looking out of the window
or at the Christmas tree with burned out lights
god damned this family
I just knew it
Looking back in life through unfiltered
eyes and emotions for years
I only remembered days of hunger
meals of tomato soup
and saltines
The smell of alcohol and sweat
on my fathers presence
and the quiet desperation of living
And I remember my mothers silent tears
but I will remember too the taste of
tomato soup and saltines
and I can smell a family in distress
from a mile away
no matter how well they smile through it
do not take life lightly
Now though I can sit and stare at a lone candle
on the table and know true peace
through the window I watch a fine
and quickly falling snow fall
As we prepare and wrap the gifts
to an anonymous family in need
toys for the kids
food for the table
sheets for the bed
And my wife says ” How about some lunch , I’ve
got to go food shopping today but I think we
have some tomato soup and saltines ?”
as I smile I think back in time
to another day
and fondly remember it all
but bittersweet
“Yes , That sounds just fine with me “
- Open Range - May 2, 2024
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A heartfelt memory, both sad and poignant. I truly believe that these kinds of circumstances allow us to truly appreciate what we have and be grateful for a meager tomato soup and saltine meal. Nicely emoted and warm in its rendering. Great work Ed.
So heartwarming the emotions just shine through and it makes the heart ache but then at least there was tomato soup and crackers……
Hurtful memories of goin without or merely making do help us to appreciate and be grateful for what we are given later in life. A delight to read, Ed.
Just beautiful, EdF! Well done.
Such a heart warming verse, Ed. That last stanza shows so much love and acceptance. Well done, dear friend.