Pumpkin Pies

To honor Dad’s memory
at family celebrations,
bake a pumpkin pie spiced
with nutmeg and cinnamon,
serve it warm topped by a crown
of homemade whipped cream,
pass each plate into hands
trembling with anticipation.
Take an extra pie to a park
near a rescue mission,
divide it among homeless men
who lick their fingers clean,
are grateful for a gift delivered
without a preacher’s threat
of eternal damnation.