A cherry-thieving dessert lover is hiding under the kitchen table...

Wrongly accused, oft was I
Of thieving the garnish, in the blink of an eye.
“Rubbish!” I’d say, (while teeth gleam red) –
Grandma made some without, as an OPTION instead!

Some pieces with cherries, still others without.
“Yours must be the latter”, I’d cheerily shout!
“I’m just the inspector -- I don’t make the rules!”
A piece without cherries? Were they REALLY all fools?

They’d all close their eyes, so humble in prayer.
When under the table, all the while…I was there.
So unsuspecting, so ripe for the taking.
It was almost a foolproof plan in its making!

The fodder of legends, my pranks came to be.
“Naked dessert” a tradition ~ ala Traci, you see!
They’d all tease and taunt me, “just try if you dare,”
“I think Grandma forgot them,” I’d vehemently swear.

They knew I was lurking, just under the table.
Till all had fell silent. Or so goes the fable.
I’d reach up so gently while all the heads bowed—
And swipe all the cherries, then giggle aloud!

Still year after year, the outcome’s the same.
“Who stole my cherry?” The thief had no shame!
“Next year if you want yours,” I’d boldly chide –
“Don’t leave your plate so doggone close to the side!”

- Traci Hayner Vanover - Copyright 1997