Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.
One Last Supper
(for Mackenzie Davis’ “I’d Read Your Grocery List” Challenge)
Trigger warning: This is dark, but you said you wanted me to publish it. I'm still not so sure, but here it is:
November 22, 2023
Heineken, 6 pack (Blue Moon if necessary)
Gallo Café Zinfandel
Barefoot Pinot Noir
Zyrtec, not generic
Micro Lancets
Blood Glucose Test Strips
Rx—Ramelteon
Box of Thank You Cards
Father-in-Law Birthday Card
Van headlight
Antifreeze
Eggs, 1 dozen large
Pumpkin pie filling, 1 can
Evaporated milk, 1 can
Sweetened condensed milk, 1 can
Frozen pie crust, 1 package of two
Chocolate graham cracker crust
Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 12-oz. package (brand doesn’t matter so long as they’re real)
Almond milk, unsweetened vanilla
Sugar, 4 lb. bag
Vanilla extract
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Yukon Gold potatoes, 5 lb.
Cream cheese, 4 oz.
Butter, 1 lb./8 sticks (real, not margarine)
1 can creamed corn
2 cans whole kernel corn
Saltines
Small Turkey
1 bag cranberries
Hershey’s Nuggets with Almonds
Thanksgiving napkins (large & beverage)
Paper plates
Disposable cups (hot & cold)
Visitors’ Log Book
Rope (backup)
Pumpkin Pie Blizzard, small
Make sure she has plenty of room in both the fridge & freezer
Vacuum carpets
Sweep & mop floors
Clear counters
Dust/Polish furniture
Clean windows
Gather the folding chairs
Kiss her goodnight
Swallow your last supper (clean your plate)
Go to sleep
About the Creator
Randy Wayne Jellison-Knock
Retired Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church having served for a total of 30 years in Missouri, South Dakota & Kansas.
Born in Watertown, SD on 9/26/1959. Married to Sandra Jellison-Knock on 1/24/1986. One son, Keenan, deceased.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Comments (34)
After going through a month of writing list poems, and learning how to keep the reader’s attention, you really wrote quite a dramatic one here. I did not see this coming. What a transition!
That IS dark. The ending was genius.
I’m glad I stumbled upon this. It’s funny how much we can learn about the complexity of what it means to be human from something as simple as a grocery list. Well done!
I love the romantic part of list, where you kiss your wife goodnight on your list . Merry Christmas, Pastor Randy and to your family,too.
it's amazing the complete story that can be taken from a list. Fantastic job with the prompt. I wish you peace and comfort in the holiday season. Hugs.
Truly a visual and sumptuous representation of human complexity
Congratulations :)
The way you formed a list instead of just writing out everything in action... it hits so much harder- an exceptional form of vivid poetry. As always, I'm awed by your creativity, Randy <3. Glad to see this got Top Story.
Congrats on Top Story!! I saw this was like I swear I've read this piece of his and was happy to see I had!! Love that you are getting some recognition, especially as its out of the usual "reach" of a TS!!
What a surprise to see this on the homepage after so long! Congratulations my friend. This one is particularly poignant and well crafted. Deserves all the accolades🥳😊
Goodness, this held so much pain despite the ingredients to numb it all away. Sometimes things are dark, but light aways comes eventually, if only a flicker here and there to hold out for. Sorry I'm just seeing this now, but sending hugs and love for the times ahead. I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to share here. Take care, my friend :) Congrats on Top Story!
Well done, Randy. Well done.
Holidays have so much expectation and can be such a struggle...making the struggle even worse. Pain from deep inside. Praying for those and others this time of year.
Sometimes the best work comes from darkness and pain. I have a perverse wish to see stories from you that are not as good as this one.
The parallels to my father are just too much for me to leave a meaningful comment. I did read through the others and am glad there has been some lightening of the cloud for you.
Nice work and sometimes you need a little dark to balance the light
There is a darkened space in my heart right now, knowing that this is someone's reality. Dark and powerful - thank you for being brave enough to share this. 💜
Wow.. That was dark and saddening, just as you had promised. I was both ready for and not ready for it. I know this is likely none of my business but are you okay?? I feel like the came from a deep place and I just want to check in. The comment below may have tipped me off a little bit too, but I didn't read it fully as I don't want to go diving into another conversation to find things out that I'm nit necessarily privy to.
After reading the comments, I must begin by giving you my sympathy. I'm sorry you've been in a rougher state of mind lately. If this poem is an indication of it, I hope you know you can always chat with me. And if not me, I hope you have someone else to talk to. Of course, writing is a solid form for getting out dark thoughts, so I also hope writing this poem eased some of it for you. ❤️ To the poem: WOW. You did a fantastic job. I had to read it twice, and I might read it again, actually, to see all that you did (you did a lot here). The sheer amount of toxins on that list is an indication of intent. I am completely horrified by that, actually, specifically because of the ambiguity in the list; some of the items could be for the "last supper" and some could be for the household; still, some could be for Thanksgiving. But imagining it all going into the "last supper" is...unsettling, to say the least. You wrote this list so well, though. I can see how the order you chose builds the tension. Unique so far, that approach, as opposed to using time to do the same thing. And, of course, the timing is very poetic being so close to Thanksgiving. I keep thinking about the Father-in-law card, and the holiday too. Like, this man is going to die so close to joyous celebrations; forever, they will be marred. It's heartbreaking. You nailed it, Randy. Super well-done on this. \And as I said above, always feel free to reach out. 💗
Well 'R' - With Antifreeze the main ingredient...Just put a little Ketchup on it ~ Dinners Disquise ~ 'j'
I love this and I get it, and completely understand. I'm glad you posted, thank you.
Wow! What you've done list! WOW
For all it's worth, may the holidays be good to you. Sending prayers of joy! 🙏🏽💖
This was so sad. I know it may not help but it's the least I can do so sending you lots of love and hugs! ❤️
🤍 Superbly done but hoping all is OK with you? x