After Dinner Mints
I remember it so clearly.
that fateful Christmas day
of opening presents
at my grandparent's house
when I was a child.
I remember my grandpa smiling
as he handed me a present,
disguised in beautiful wrapping paper.
Within the paper
held a medium cylinder tin labeled "after-dinner mints."
I remember that tin,
with bright-colored cartoon mints adorning it.
I remember being so excited.
Feeling like I got a grown-up gift.
Something so fancy it had to be cherished after dinner.
My parents told me how wonderful it was and were giggling with each other.
I remember being so excited throughout the Christmas meal
to eat these magic mints.
Finally, the time came, and I begged my dad if I could have one.
He smiled at me and said of course.
I took a deep breath and popped the round lid off,
excited for my sweet treat.
And to my surprise,
I got smacked in the face
with a springy snake.
I remember my whole family laughing
and my eyes welling up with tears
because underneath that stupid snake
that gave me quite a fright
were no after-dinner mints.