They sat, hate burning hot

Watching her like prey

Wishing she hadn’t come

They spit mean words

And snide angry comments

Too loud not to be overheard

She believed she could do it

For her daughter

She smiled and hugged

She told stories and laughed

But each moment

Tested her resolve

And she grabbed a bottle of red

Drank it down

Excused herself to the restroom

Locked the door and slid

Back against the door to the floor

Was it her nervous laughter

The attention she seeked

Or approval she desired

That made her a target

For this wretched behavior

People who preach love

And acceptance, spitting vile

Through fake toothy smiles

Undoing this life of mine

Tormenting a loving heart

She sat starting at her hands

And she did the only thing she had left to do

She reached into her chest

Clutched at her heart

Pulling it out she opened the door

And walked through the rooms

To the people who sat watching

As she gave them what they asked for

Happy Thanksgiving, Enjoy my heart