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While the Pie is Cooling
by
Camille A. Balla


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I recall the first Thanksgiving
I was designated to be the pumpkin-pie baker
and for years thereafter; pies made
with small children underfoot, pies made
with the excitement of family homecoming—
always making the dough from scratch.

Today I call upon the Pillsbury boy
to make and roll out the circle of dough
which I place into the pan, then add
the traditional filling with just the right
amounts of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

The November chill makes cozy the warmth
from the oven as I await the sweet, spicy aroma,
telling me when the pie is just about done.
How satisfying it is to delight once again
in this simple work of my hands.

I think of the many hands
along the way to my kitchen that made
possible the baking of this pie:
The grower of the pumpkin,
the wheat farmer, the dairy farmer, the egg farmer,
the hands that picked the sugar cane.
The hands of workers in a cannery,
of truckers who transport foods to the store,
the hands of the people who shelve ingredients
that come from here or far-off lands.

Hands of people I never met
yet all of them a part—whether aware or not—
of this pumpkin pie now ready
to be served at my Thanksgiving table.


© by Camille A. Balla.
Used with the author's permission.

 

 


Camille A. Balla lives in suburban Chicago. Many of her poems are inspired from the view outside her window, or from her walks along various trails. The author of Simple Awakenings, a chapbook that spans the seasons of the year, she is a life-long learner who enjoys digital photography, small discussion groups, garden walks, trying out new recipes, collecting quotes, and creating greeting cards for family and friends. Camille's poetry has appeared in a wide variety of publications as well as on gift items and greeting cards.

 

 

 

Post New Comment:
Wilda Morris:
Wonderful poem. We seldom stop to think of all the people who make our lives better that we never meet.
Posted 11/21/2022 05:47 PM
Tracers645:
Very beautiful consideration. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted 11/27/2019 02:56 PM
Janet Leahy:
Words to live by: "I think of the many hands along the way to my kitchen that made possible the baking of this pie." Thank you Camille.
Posted 11/27/2019 12:12 PM
cork:
A pumpkin pie will never look the same to me again because I will be thinking of all the people involved. Thank you.
Posted 11/27/2019 10:48 AM


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