Drool

Virginia's table is set in
the pale green dining room.
Pocket doors pushed open
to repoussé silver at attention
next to delicate rose patterned china,
and the antique lace table
cloth bone white glowing.

Turkey golden crisped,
sweet potatoes with brown sugar,
greens, penny cinnamon carrots,
pure ambrosia in a crystal punch bowl.

Mother fills the plate with delicious food.
Its perfume dizzies my dreaming senses.
Mouth waters as I lift the fork filled with
savory meat.....

only to wake up face down
in my hard prison
pillow. Drool smeared on the case
flavored by acidic laundry soap.