1954

I remember the smell of beer going down the back steps The keg under the dartboard the men in long sleeves Being carried by my grandfather and each uncle one by one Old Spice and English Lavender as hugs and kisses were exchanged The garage door open to the back yard where music was playing The bride throwing her bouquet girls screaming with glee I was six years old when they married Eisenhower’s picture in the hall The smell of the fresh cut grass and cigarette smoke mixing freely outside It was the best of all possible times God and country held us tight The best of all possible times —as hope and laughter filled the air (Family Wedding: June, 1954)