Family Reunion


It's time to go again
Visit with friends and relatives
One only sees every year or so
Pack a picnic basket
Get ready to roll

Less than two hours
We're there in the mountains
A campmeeting campground
Rented now for a number of years
Meat is already on the grill

Saying hello to cousins and such
Especially to the one remaining aunt
Faces get older with new faces appearing
Leadership much younger this year

My oldest daughter and I place our spread
With the other foods filling the tables
Meat, soft drinks, flat ware, napkins all provided
Beginning to get reacquainted

My remaining brother and sisters arrive from Ohio
Chatter is the mainstay
Finally I am asked to offer the blessing for the meal
Made it sincere, short and sweet
Thanking God for being with us there

Sampling lots of food,
More from delis and grocery stores
Sign of the times.
Taking note of many who no longer arrive
Some because of death or infirmity

Bingo after dinner for the adults
There'll be an auction of items brought in
The children hit on a pinata
Something for young and old

We didn't stay for the auction
Wanted to stop and see a cousin
Who is too infirm to attend
Reunions are becoming
I remember when!


Family Reunion(c) 2005 Quentin Clingerman

Reunions are becoming times of nostalgia
Showing my age