So many years ago when we were kids

and went to visit

uncles, aunts, cousins

we always ended up

packed into a pallet on the floor

 

nowadays

they have foam mattresses

or inflatables

but back in our day

all we got was some blankets

thrown on the floor

 

the fun was sleeping without a bed

like camping out

we had the time of our lives

time to cut up and play

and talk and talk to someone

we had not seen for such a long time

 

you kids better shut up in there

and go to sleep

said the ominous voice behind the door

as if God himself was speaking

we cowered

we tried to keep quiet

but it was hard when your cousin

was tickling you in the ribs

 

we snickered under the blankets

and talked some more

but eventually we drifted off to dreams

of what might happen tomorrow

what next adventure would arise

 

in the morning

the adults were right

we should have gone to sleep

but a pallet on the floor

was just too much fun for us kids

not to take advantage of

 

a pallet on the floor

was an invitation

for cutting up and misbehaving

and laughter

long into the night.