Misty remembrance, close beyond my mind’s sight
The groaning table spread with mismatched plates
Lovingly secured by armor so bright
And underneath, the artists’ names on tape.
Nary bag of plastic nor crinkling film found
Just Tupperware, Anchor and Pyrex well used
To transport the salads, the morsels so browned
Provisions designed to keep the gathered amused.
And when the signal finally given and the steel pulled away
The congregants descend upon bounty piled high
Ne’er again to experience this selfsame array
Of masterpieces forged through years and try.
I know we’re all busy, the lifestyle’s to blame
But a grocery store salad is just not the same.
* Where I’m from, it’s called a “Covered Dish”