Order this writing in the collection book Unlocking the Mysteries available for only $1795 |
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This appears in a pre-2010 issue
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Carousel of Windows
Sandra E. Waldron
Gray sky above, fused with onset of whispers, ascending steps to roundabout porch. Boards creak. Stolid adult faces speculate. Child, on tiptoes, peeks inside first of carousel of windows. Dinner table set for a king: goblets of wine, tasty treats, half-eaten turkey-carcass centered on grand table.
More whispers.
Four chairs wait on each side of table; one holds Raggedy Ann doll, button eyes stare back; each end, single chair, vacant. No father. No mother. No family. More whispers. Walks around, follows others, peering in here and there. All is gloom, no lights, no glow of candles.
Thanksgiving!
Child wonders, where’s the laughter?
Man coughs. Woman cries.
Child peers in again, white lace tablecloth, fine silver, embroidered napkins, half-empty bowl of dressing, her favorite. Woman takes child by arm and pries her away.
Man coughs again. Woman sniffles.
Man says dressing was bad.
Back to steps, descend porch. Child looks up. Sky’s gray.