Family Reunion

When I was a kid, the family reunion was the highlight of the year. Aunts, uncles and dozens of cousins came from far and near, To meet at Memorial Park to eat, brag and enjoy the fellowship. I was admonished by Mom to behave and not voice any sassy lip! The ladies vied with each other to provide jello, cakes and pies, Pertater salad, baked beans, termaters and heaps of chicken thighs, Ham, peas and carrots, cole slaw and gallons of lemonade, And home-made ice cream, the speciality of Aunt Clara, the old maid! The patriarch of the clan was usually asked to bless the food. Stomachs growled, flies swarmed, the old geezer wouldn't conclude, Until his spouse of many years poked him saying, "That's enough!" Then, all took a seat and elbows flew as they began to stuff! After the meal was over, old folks would reminisce and muse. Others found a shady spot to curl up and take a snooze. Ne'er-do-well Uncle Wilbur would sneak a forbidden nip of booze, While snobbish Cousin Sarah boasted of her Caribbean cruise! The kids frolicked on the teeter-totters, swings and slides. The older ones grabbed bats and balls and chose up sides. Now I'm the patriarch and am usually called upon to pray, But I make it snappy so we can get on with fellowship and play! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved) Entry for Craig Cornish's "The Park" Contest