We Gather Again

May 25, 2019lillian

Fifty years ago,
we wore bridal veils.
Walked past the elders’
with a cursory but loving nod.

Then family reunions,
joyful raucous gatherings
at the twenty
and thirty-something’s table.

Then babies appeared on hips,
high chairs crowded table seatings,
crayons joined forks and spoons
and the elders watched lovingly.

Too soon,
teenagers rolled their eyes,
talked about whatever they do,
made lists for Santa’s exchange.

Someone tried to reproduce
Auntie Maia’s meringue cookies.
Papa Milt’s son took over
his carving-the-turkey role.

Beloved faces,
grandparents,
uncles and aunts
disappeared from the scene.

And now, tomorrow,
we gather again,
a new generation
gracing a bridal veil.

And just for a moment I see their faces.
Generations
who instilled love of family,
no matter the distance or age.

Then quietly
we walk into the room,
smile knowingly and take our seats.
We now, are the elders’ table.

rivrvlogr May 25, 2019 / 11:47 am

This a lovely reminder of the significance of family, Lillian, recognizing the roles and transitions we value.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
- lillian June 6, 2019 / 6:34 am
  
  Thank you. I wrote it during a family wedding gathering…another generation pledging their love. Time marches on…or glides…..or slides….
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
adda May 25, 2019 / 3:28 pm

How true.. I have thought about this often as grandparents passed, then parents and now we are the elder generation. I love this Lil! You are so perceptive! Kudos!<3

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
- lillian June 6, 2019 / 6:36 am
  
  Just getting to replies…..Glad you enjoyed. I wrote it while in Brainerd, Minnesota for a family wedding…..and indeed, we were the oldest generation there. Time marches on….or slides….or glides….or sometimes sputters!
  Just back now from 5 days with son and family in NC….grandkids now 12, 10 and 7. Amazing!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
V.J. Knutson May 26, 2019 / 12:31 pm

Beautiful weaving together of story and life’s passages.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
- lillian June 6, 2019 / 6:37 am
  
  Life’s passages….exactly. I wrote this while in Minnesota for a family wedding where, as I looked around, I realized we were the oldest generation now.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  - V.J. Knutson June 6, 2019 / 10:43 am
    
    Startling revelation, isn’t it!
    
    LikeLike
Yan Hao May 26, 2019 / 7:56 pm

I love this summary of family life! So true! I am glad that I can still keep in touch with you this way, if you remember me.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
- lillian June 6, 2019 / 6:37 am
  
  I do remember you! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed this one. Nice to see your reply here…and hope you are doing well.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply