For weeks he'd labored daily, after school, on Johnson's farm. Today he'd get the wages he'd earned with his strong arms. Today would be the day when he'd visit Willy's Store. He'd buy that shiny sled! Today! He'd wait no more!
The winter's wood was stacked, the harvest hay was hauled. He'd simply feed the turkey, then clean old Nellie's stall. Old Turkey Tom was pacing, quite anxious for his corn. He winked his eyes at Adam. That turkey sure had charm! He gobbled friendly greetings from his tiny holding pen. Adam knew he must be lonely, and wished Tom had a hen. He began to tell old Tom of the sled and how much fun his friends and he would have when Thanksgiving Day was come.
It was then he saw the sign that made his young heart reel:'One Turkey Tom For Sale. Make Good Thanksgiving Meal'. He tried to block those thoughts as he cleaned old Nellie's stall. He thought of that new sled as he watched the snowflakes fall. What fun he'd have snow sledding that cold Thanksgiving Day. Yet his heart betrayed his mind as he went to get his pay. Poor old, sweet old, lonely Tom, he'd never strut his wings or chase a turkey hen over hillsides in the spring.
Adam, weakly, wished Mrs. Johnson a nice Thanksgiving Day, then stopped by Tommy's pen, one last goodbye to say.
The wind was growing colder, November skies were gray, old Tom just hung his head as Adam trudged away. Poor old, sweet old, lonely Tom, he had simply lived to die. Adam walked a wee bit faster, afraid that he might cry. He looked back through the woods, then up those snowy hills. Tomorrow he'd be sledding, a day for friends and thrills. But somehow it didn't matter anymore, about that sled. The only thoughts he had were that Tom would soon be dead.
The snow was falling harder and so were Adam's tears. Then stopping in his tracks, things suddenly grew clear. He counted up his money, then dashed back through the trees. He'd buy old Tom instead, and set that gobbler free!
Light flakes began to fall. It was now Thanksgiving Day, but when Thanksgiving prayers were said, old Tom was miles away! Adam's heart was truly blessed, for life's worth more than 'things', and old Tom would chase wild hens on the hillside come next spring!
© Joy Butler