The air stands still in the empty rooms,
Sunlight glistens through the barely opened shades,
The kitchen is organized, borrowed tables and chairs are back at the neighbors,
The house is reclaimed.
Loved ones, family members and friends,
Have packed and gone to their homes,
Yet the mind swirls with memories and thoughts,
Of conversations and emotions that still echo.
Endearing exchanges, sneering words, common family dramas,
Soul munchies to nibble on through the long withdrawal,
With the morning tea, the mid-day walk,
The late-night unwind.
The workweek began and reigns again,
Early morning meetings, late-night emails,
Short meal breaks and quick exchanges of friendly texts,
Small tokens of a familiar routine.
The emotional storm that rocked the insides,
Gave way to calm, cold, winter days,
The tea kettle is boiling, another glance at the sunny yard,
Thanksgiving is over, for at least another year.