TV Dinner

occasionally I will eat a TV dinner

for years I have consumed them without much thought
but one day, I was struck by the taste
I can taste it in my mind even now
as I pen these words

the flavor is merely acceptable
and exactly the same each time I partake

after I peel off the layer of piping hot cellophane
I notice the shape of each piece of chicken
precise replicas of the ones
I purchased weeks ago

the same amount of corn, individual kernels
trying to make their daring escape into other territories

gritty "mashed" potatoes
spread thinly underneath the chicken unlike the picture on the box
a nugatory square of chocolate cake that almost satisfies
a mass duplication of "mom's home cooked meal" sold millions of times over
year after year

and I think to myself
should I be at least a little troubled? perhaps
though I know full well
that convenience over quality shouldn't be a good thing
nevertheless, I partake
I heedlessly partake and always will