A Family Gathering

 

Families, who would have them?

Yet they are an anchor or magnet of sorts

Gatherings at Festive Occasions

times of mixed emotions, self restraint

with under currents in full flow

Fleeting glances are exchanged

tolerance is at the fore

I am reminded of a three line whip

as I sit at a table with abundant fare

with conversation in a rarefied air

Nudges, winks a suppressed guffaw

Drinks spilt; an ill suited group

but some have the same blood group

The elderly look with apprehensive dread

as the young ones scream and shout

uncontrollable in some frenetic rout

No admonishment is given nor ever is

The ritual grinds on to some conclusion

to a climax of sheer exhaustion

Then its off home until the next time

which hopefully is not for quite some time.