Poems from Elle's perspective

Boxing Day

The annual Boxing Day barbeque,
an institution.
Tradition.
Family.

Caitie painstakingly painting
Nana Rose's fingernails.
And Daddy's.

Water pistols and water bombs,
taking the edge off summer's heat.
Blowing bubbles for toddlers
who add a special dose of magic
and wonder to Christmas...
until they get tired and cranky!

Aaron's gift
that is ever after regifted
and regifted, and regifted again.

Tent set up on the lawn
for excess guests.

Poppa Pete's stories,
heard them all before,
but everyone gathers around
to listen again anyway.

Jim running back and forth
from the kitchen,
plates piled high, glasses full,
bellies stuffed.
Munching on summer berries and chocolates,
just because they're on the table.

Steve's alcoholic fruit mince.
Very potent.
Mince pies and Christmas cake.

Sue's trifle.
Don't eat it all!
It's really for breakfast tomorrow.

Sit around, drinking, chatting,
listening to Pink Floyd and classic rock,
and random songs from the '80s and '90s,
until everyone exchanges sleepy smiles
and heads to bed or home.

Let's do it all again next year.


Free verse. Written 14 September 2015.