Yesterday, I received Auntie Mabel’s end-of-the-year letter
Seems, after another bout with arthritis, she is some better,
She reports that Aunt Lula Fay’s nephew is no longer in fetter
But, unfortunately, he’s only out on bail, she being his “setter.”
Sid, Auntie Mable tells me, will never be much of a go-getter,
Reminds me for Christmas she sent me a warm woolen sweater.
As soon as I receive the sweater, I’ll send a note of gratitude
Failing to mention the gift, Auntie Mabel would cop an attitude,
When one lapses in manners, Mabel doesn’t give much latitude
Considering such a failure both thankless and unseemly crude,
Since she’s a family connection, I’d hate if she became unglued,
I don’t want to get a reputation for being an ungrateful dude!
written December 26, 2021
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