Emerald Wells Café and Bakery 46, Thanksgiving Speakeasy Night

Source: Mockingbird Books

The sign on the store front read, ‘Emerald Wells Cafe and Bakery’. Each morning at 6 a.m. Emmy turned the key in the front door, hit the lights, turned the little sign with the clock hands facing outward announcing ‘Open’ and made her way to the coffee machine to get the first pot brewing.

Rose’s Bakery Truck tires hit the gravel of Harold and Em’s drive and made that warm inviting crunching sound as the truck made its way around back. Earl was driving. They came in the bakery truck because the metal box Earl had fitted to draw heat from the exhaust pipe kept the two turkeys, that he had prepared at the Café, warm.

The fitted bakery racks held eight pies over Earl’s objections. Rose insisted of two apple, two pumpkin, two pecan, and two mincemeat just in case. Earl had explained to no avail that there were only going to be thirteen people there plus Sport and Archer.

Earlier in the week Earl had gone out to the Thompsons place and bought pounds of walnuts and almonds and of course the apples, pumpkins, and pecans; the raisins came to Pine Meadows by way of California.

Em greeted them at the back door closest to the kitchen. “Hi ya’ll, you made it in good time.”

Earl nodded and gave Em a quick hug. “Hey what time did you tell everyone to be here? I may have to make a quick trip back for MaryAnn.”

“Oh, I forgot, MaryAnn told me she hitched a ride with Dale. Boots and LeeAnn will come together. Carl, A.A. and Richard will just walk over; close to when the food is served I reckon.” Rose told Earl.

“Where is Harold? I didn’t see his truck.” Earl asked Em.

“I sent him for some cider. I don’t know how I forgot.” Em said while opening a case of special tea to chill. “You guys get your poetry written?”

Earl and Rose patted their pockets and smiled.

“Let me help you unload and then I am going to need a hand with the tables.” Em told Earl just as Adrianna walked into the kitchen carrying Sport. Em knew she just lost the help of Rose for at least fifteen minutes. Em glanced at Earl, “let’s get unloaded.”

A knock on the front door brought Em’s attention. She walked through the kitchen through the living room where furniture had been pushed near walls for the tables and opened the door to find A.A.

“Carl told me I had KP duty this morning, whatever that is.” A.A told Em.

Em laughed, “This way.” As she led him to a big basket of potatoes. She rummage through a draw and handed him a potato peeler. “Want to peel in here or out on the back porch?” she asked A.A.

A.A. lifted the basket, smiling, “Outside at least I can look at the mountains.” Then seeing Earl he said “Hey Earl,” as he passed him at the door.

“Morning A.A. It is busy here this morning.” Earl making way as they passed, one carrying pies, one carrying a basket of potatoes..

Source: MSN images

Harold’s truck pulled around back and parked near the bakery truck. He came around back and lifted the wooden crate that contained the four jugs of fresh apple cider.

Em walked to the door, “Hey hon, just set the case down on the porch. They’ll be nice and cold for dinner.

“Come In.” Em called as she again heard a knock at the front door. Her voice stirred Sport as Rose comforted her in her arms.

Gabby who was on the porch admiring a spinning wheel surrounded by poinsettas opened the door and walked in with a centerpiece for the table. It had decorated pumpkins and yellow gourds with pine cone accents. “Hello Em. Where do you want this?”

“Set it there.” She pointed to the floor. “Me and Earl will have the tables set up soon. Then you can put it on the table.” Em called to Harold, “Can you and Earl get the tables set up? I am going to go and feed Archer.”

Rose sighed and gave Sport back to Adrianna and went into the kitchen. She looked into the refrigerator and saw that the yams were yet to be prepared. She found the cinnamon and a glass baking pan and started.

Gabby called “Come in,” at the wrapping on the front door. “Hey, LeeAnn, hey Boots.” She greeted them. LeeAnn asked where she should put the fruit salad as Boots walked to the kitchen and set down a bottle of schnapps that he was carrying.

“Hello Harold.” Boots called out the back door. “What can I do to help?”

“Em has been asking about the tables. Let’s get them ready.” Harold told him. He walked away from A.A. who was making good time on the potato peeling project.

“Hello” Gabby called as she walked down the hallway.

“In here” called Em who was in the nursery with Archer.

“The boys are getting the tables arranged.” She told Em as she sat on the edge of the bed next to Em. “They have everything in hand.”

Rose found the table clothes that Em had set out. “Help me with these," she asked Earl.

Boots walked out the backdoor with a pot and started cutting the potatoes into cubes.

LeeAnn placed the centerpiece. And she took a few walnuts to nibble.

“What plates did Em decide to use?” She asked Harold.

Harold led her to the china cabinet. “These.” And he took a stack of serving plates to the table.

“I can do this.” LeeAnn told Harold. He went back to the cabinet and grabbed the wine glasses and placed them on the table. Then he said to LeeAnn that he had to go see Carl. There were not enough wine glasses. He would have to borrow some from Carl. “Be right back,” he called as he walked out the door down the driveway towards Carl’s place.

At 2 pm Sheriff Dale and MaryAnn arrived. The table was set the turkey golden brown, yams covered in syrupy cinnamon, mashed potatoes and gravy waiting. Wine glasses filled. Their meal was ready.

There were thirteen for dinner as there was a place setting for Adrianna as well.

They all grabbed a chair. Rose made sure she sat next to Earl. Harold sat at the head of the table with Em at his side.

“Are you going to say grace?” Em asked Harold.

Harold bowed his head. “Lord there is no finer people than those that grace my table here today. I am honored to be in their company. We gather here in your name to celebrate this day spent with those that I consider my family. Through both hardship and toil we share the bounty of this earth, our Texas clean air and the freedom that was so desperately fought for and won. I will never forget that you invited me into your community. Sport and Archer changed my thinking and there is so much to look forward to going forward. Bless every one of you. Amen.”

“Amen” replied the chorus.

Earl carved the turkey, claiming rights because he shot it. Food was passed and shared with laughter and mirth. Each told stories and shared memories of past Thanksgivings. Wine was poured each in their way spoke of those things they were grateful for. Mostly peace and friendships and a place they felt safe. They were grateful for their haven in a rough landscape and a future that held bounty and promise.

After their meal they sat back full and warm, and knowing that next came a cleanup that shared together would go smoothly.

Harold got the fire in the fireplace going while Earl and Boots took the tables down and out of the way. The furniture was already spread around the living room and for Speakeasy Night this would work fine.

When the kitchen was put back together and the china serving plates put away then one by one the regulars found themselves a seat in the living room.

Em, Adrianna and Rose got Archer and Sport down to sleep. Adrianna would keep an eye on them.

Carl and Boots had a glass of schnapps while the rest choose to finish their cold fresh apple cider before switching to wine.

"Hey everyone, I know this is more structured than we are use to and I thought it would be fun to try. Sorry if I made this into a homework assignment. Everyone comfortable? I am going to kick off Speakeasy night. Then I’ll pick a name for the next person, if that is OK with you MaryAnn, unless you just want to hold the bowl with names in it.”

“I’ll hold the bowl.” MaryAnn told her.

“Let’s begin.” Rose said. She stood and walked to the middle of the room.

SS Andrea Doria – Sestina Rose

The bodies float suspended in puppet form 
the cloth less man somersaults down icy water 
an eyeless glass doll buoyed to the surface
air escaping from the sockets, bubbles rise
gun barrel gray and liquid blue clash with screams 
heard in Nantucket, down went Andrea Doria

She rolled to one side, the Andrea Doria
sending half her lifeboats to motionless form 
the Stockholm stood by, her cold deck echoing screams 
as her lifeboats entered the icy water 
the crews of the ships to the challenge did rise
as the liner fought strong waves on the surface

She was lost, as her stack kissed the surface
to death at the bottom went Andrea Doria
engulfed at the bottom she never will rise
as the black-blue embrace chills her silent form
there is no marker nor wreath on the water 
but to this day ships passing at night hear screams

The ghost of Sant'Angelo broadcast the screams
as crowded ghost lifeboats bob on the surface
from panicky day, on now tranquil water
do whisper God bless, to sweet Andrea Doria 
deeply proud structure are the flaws of her form
On July twenty-fifth the voices of the dead rise

Hold close your Rosary, watch the water rise 
there is more room in the boats, suppress your screams
women and children first is where the lines form 
Italian pride list, gone under the surface 
bow your head in prayer for Andrea Doria
and those that cast their souls upon the water

Heads are bowed for those lost in the water
heralding in praise, songs for those that still rise
the black-blue embrace chills the Andrea Doria
vacant eyes stare and ears ringing silent screams
On July twenty-fifth for those on the surface
the Andrea Doria survivors club took form

Lapping water muffles the last rhythms of screams 
Their souls rise and make a break for the surface 
Andrea Doria sleeps near Nantucket spent form

There was a short silence and then Earl stood and gave Rose a hug. Even though they were all stuffed Boots, Carl, Harold stood in line for a hug. LeeAnn and MaryAnn patted her on the back. Dale applauded.

MaryAnn took her seat reached into the bowl and drew Em's name.

Em waited a moment for the men to be seated and began.

Love Becomes You - A Rondeau, Em

Your face flush with cranberry cheeks
The glow you emit lights up the streets
Graceful steps are well defined
Lost days of youth you do remind
And old men shield their stolen peeks

Oh, how you swing and sway your treats
To men who see you, your body speaks
Of the women they left behind
Love becomes you

It is in his arms, your body seeks
And in his arms the morning greets
In his bed you’re unconfined
Through warm embrace and hearts entwined
Through poppy fields you want to streak
Love becomes you

Harold walked over and whispered something in Em's ear which brought a big smile. Carl gave a warm hug and agreed that Love Became Em. Boots and Dale gave out hugs and Rose took a moment to walk down the hall and peek to see if either of the babies were awake. She came back empty handed. A.A. and Richard gave a nice smile.

MaryAnn looked around. "Boots it is your turn."

He took the center stage.

Sweet Toil - A Sonnet - Boots

Sweet toil prepare me for the day of rest
Near me lovers gather, as warm tears flow
A room-full of strangers, all here my guest
Each one unique but I made their hearts glow

My lips smiling for now their work is done
Thankful for our days spent under the sun
The last exhale hoping for an afterlife
Content that I did not get it just right

Morsels so sweet, their fine fragrant bouquet 
Carried my heart through many a dismal day

Here I lay down my weary head to rest
Dear you chose to lay me with the very best
The work is done the crew has dug the soil
The time has come to end my lives sweet toil

Harold and Carl glanced at each other as did A.A. and Richard. Dale and MaryAnn exchanged glance as did Gabby and LeeAnn. Dale told Boots he liked the poem, though he did not understand it. Rose gave a hug as did Em.

MaryAnn waited for Rose to be seated and pulled a name from the bowl. "Carl, are you ready?"

Carl set his drink down and went to the center.

This Thirst Would Quell - A Villanelle Carl

help I’ve lost my way, can’t find a well
to quench the thirst I must reroute
just a dip, this thirst would quell

to what end did thou rebel
then send me off, the world to scout
help I’ve lost my way, can’t find a well

this journey rushed, it dost compel 
to drink my fill, to gorge and strout
just a dip, this thirst would quell

this deep ache I must soon dispel
I raise an empty cup and do shout
help I’ve lost my way, can’t find a well

my throat so dry, no spit to yell
oh, how long can I do without
just a dip, this thirst would quell

my lips have cracked, as this luck befell
through cobbled lanes of ever drought 
trapped in thorny thicket, thick as hell
just a dip, this thirst would quell

Rose and Em sought him first. Next Gabby, LeeAnn, MaryAnn joined in. Richard, A.A. were talking together about making that a song. Dale and Earl came and told Carl how much they liked it.

When the room settled MaryAnn selected LeeAnn. "Remember ya'll that I was assigned this. Just say'n."

A Limerick - LeeAnn

I’m telling you the darn thing is stuck
Can’t say for sure, just completely dumb luck
Ouch, I tell you it’s really stuck fast
So, it looks like you’ll be the last
What a girl, you really have pluck

Dale, Carl and MaryAnn laughed. Rose and Em frowned in unison. A.A. and Richard again where thinking song.

MaryAnn reached into the bowl and came up with 'Harold".

Oh, The Day, A Triolet - Harold

Oh, the day she got the ring
With my proposal to be my wife
She skipped and danced and began to sing
Oh, the day she got the ring
She thought of joy the future will bring
As we begin our married life
Oh, the day she got the ring
With my proposal to be my wife

Em gave a hug, followed by Rose. Then Rose and Em disappeared into the kitchen. They brought out trays of cupcakes, slices of cake. Three full pies while Earl and Carl helped with opening new bottles of wine and filled the wine glasses. A.A., Richard and MaryAnn went to the kitchen in search of ice cold Coca Cola. Carl filled a glass with schnapps. When they were all served both Em and Rose walked down the hall to check on Archer and Sport. "Go ahead", Em said. Rose leaned down and picked up Sport and put her cheek to her shoulder.

The party went on in the living room. After a break, Rose gently put Sport back down and joined the rest in the living room.

"Ready everyone?" asked Em. Each had their plates and were still enjoying their dessert, they agreed they were ready.

MaryAnn reached into the bowl and puller her own name.

Glow, A Senryu, MaryAnn

on a future day
I will deliver a smile
Straight to your heart

The glow will warm you
Like no other before me
And you will be mine

Forty years will pass
As quickly as an eye winks
We float on laughter

"Oh, that is so nice." Said Rose as she stood up and gave a hug as did Em. A.A. and Richard and Dale lead the men to give and receive hugs. Carl walked back to the kitchen. Rose thought she heard something and walked down the hall to check on Archer.

MaryAnn walked to the bowl and pulled Dale's name.

Dale wearing slacks and a white button down shirt took the center spot.

Dale - Rictameter

caution
was not heeded
as they took the sharp turn
as they left the road they flipped over
down the ravine, coming to rest
'as we recover be
mindful to use
caution'

Carl took a drink from his freshly poured schnapps. Harold and Richard applauded, A.A. and LeeAnn patted the sheriff on the back. Both silently hoping they never became the subject of one of Dale's poems.

MaryAnn called Richard's name.

Haiku, Richard

The scent of cedar
Burst my senses this morning
As dawn does not break

"I am not sure you got the spirit of the poem," Rose told him and gave him a hug. The men laughed and remained seated. LeeAnn and MaryAnn gave hugs as did Gabby. Richard thought that made it worth while.

MaryAnn called Gabby's name.

Into the Woods, Through Fields of Glass Free verse, Gabby

I navigate the broken glass
through languished fields 
towards bare trees, limbs
brittle, leaves forsaken,
fruit forgotten in an aftermath
of tangled love, consumed
too quickly, its flickering shadow
remains, a shapely silhouette receding
into the woods, to mingle with
memories, then fade away

Carl turned his drink up and finished off the glass. Harold lead the line for hugs. A.A. and Richard joined in as did Dale, Rose, and Em. Even LeeAnn and MaryAnn gave nice hugs, sharing their energy. Gabby walked to the kitchen and refilled her glass of wine.

"Does anyone need a break?" Rose asked. They were all full. The room was well lit and the wood burning fire gave a nice glow to the glow the regulars were getting from the wine.

MaryAnn looked at the last two names and peeked at them A.A. and Earl. A.A. would be next.

Rose returned to the living room holding Archer and sat down holding him.

"A.A." MaryAnn called when everyone was seated.