family reunions

the cinnamon and cloves of life
are the bouyant hellos
of family members
and various long-lost friends
who quickly elbow across crowded rooms
saying it's so nice to see you again

sharing a glass of sweet white wine
conversing in animation
accompanied by children's laughter
it's not drunkenness that makes us say
you haven't aged a bit
before the holiday candles burn low
how many times have I said, but please, speak slower
you know my german isn't very good
to hear the smiling response
"ah so, mein englishe ist nicht so gut"
and we laugh too, sometimes with sign language
do the children sometimes wonder
eyes large in amazement
what is so funny for us adults?



family reunions
12 december, 2006
[2006.20.12...a]