“What if we ate calamari instead of turkey for Thanksgiving?”

What if we traded the turkey, so grand,  
For a platter of rings from the shimmering sand?  
Picture the table set, candles aglow,  
But instead of a drumstick, tentacles show.

Crispy and golden, their spirals would gleam,  
Beside mashed potatoes and cranberry cream.  
Strange looks from Aunt Ruth, a gasp from dear Ned—  
“Where is the stuffing? The gravy?” they said.

No giblets, no wishbone, but sea-faring tales  
Would bubble and ripple like salt-scented gales.  
We'd toast with our cider to oceans and brine,  
To fishermen's catches, to net and to line.

Imagine the laughter, the sharing anew:  
“Remember the year with the sea-splattered crew?”  
We’d pass tartar sauce for tradition’s embrace,  
Pumpkin pie waiting to take its old place.

A Thankful adventure, a daring delight,  
Reminding us blessings take forms bold or slight.  
Whether roasted or fried, what matters, you see,  
Is gathering round—heartful, grateful, and free.

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