It’s a lovely, tranquil day
Spent in the company
Of those I love best,
Enjoying the banter and
The easy camaraderie
That comes from being with family
And with “nearly family” friends.
The scent of the barbecue smoke
Hangs over the yard,
Whetting our appetites
Along with the sight
Of all the food,
The baked beans,
The potato salad,
The cole slaw,
Temptingly laid out
On long tables
Beneath the trees.
The elders,
And those not involved
In the grilling, are supervising
The churning of dessert,
Mom’s much loved
And anticipated
Homemade ice cream,
While the youngest
Of our party
Play volleyball
Over the makeshift
Net.
Soon we will eat,
But I realize
The true nourishment comes
Not so much
From our bellies;
Rather, it comes
From the affection we share
For each other.

c. 2021